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Shelton GD, Tucciarone F, Guo LT, Coghill LM, Lyons LA. Precision medicine using whole genome sequencing identifies a novel dystrophin (DMD) variant for X-linked muscular dystrophy in a cat. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:135-144. [PMID: 38180235 PMCID: PMC10800237 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16971] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a large, heterogeneous group of degenerative muscle diseases. X-linked dystrophin-deficient MD in cats is the first genetically characterized cat model for a human disease and a few novel forms have been identified. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES Muscular dystrophy was suspected in a young male domestic shorthair cat. Clinical, molecular, and genetic techniques could provide a definitive diagnosis. ANIMALS A 1-year-old male domestic shorthair cat presented for progressive difficulty walking, macroglossia and dysphagia beginning at 6 months of age. The tongue was thickened, protruded with constant ptyalism, and thickening and rigidity of the neck and shoulders were observed. METHODS A complete neurological examination, baseline laboratory evaluation and biopsies of the trapezius muscle were performed with owner consent. Indirect immunofluorescence staining of muscle cryosections was performed using several monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against dystrophy-associated proteins. DNA was isolated for genomic analyses by whole genome sequencing and comparison to DNA variants in the 99 Lives Cat Genome Sequencing dataset. RESULTS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Aspartate aminotransferase (687 IU/L) and creatine kinase (24 830 IU/L) activities were increased and mild hypokalemia (3.7 mmol/L) was present. Biopsy samples from the trapezius muscle confirmed a degenerative and regenerative myopathy and protein alterations identified by immunohistochemistry resulted in a diagnosis of a in dystrophin-deficient form of X-linked MD. A stop gain variant (c.4849C>T; p.Gln1617Ter) dystrophin was identified by genome sequencing. Precision/genomic medicine efforts for the domestic cat and in veterinary medicine support disease variant and animal model discovery and provide opportunities for targeted treatments for companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Ling T. Guo
- Department of Pathology, School of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Lyndon M. Coghill
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Leslie A. Lyons
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
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2
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Kopke MA, Diane Shelton G, Lyons LA, Wall MJ, Pemberton S, Gedye KR, Owen R, Guo LT, Buckley RM, Valencia JA, Jones BR. X-linked myotubular myopathy associated with an MTM1 variant in a Maine coon cat. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 36:1800-1805. [PMID: 35962713 PMCID: PMC9511081 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Describe the clinical course and diagnostic and genetic findings in a cat with X‐linked myotubular myopathy. Case Summary A 7‐month‐old male Maine coon was evaluated for progressively worsening gait abnormalities and generalized weakness. Neurolocalization was to the neuromuscular system. Genetic testing for spinal muscular atrophy (LIX1) was negative. Given the progressive nature and suspected poor long‐term prognosis, the owners elected euthanasia. Histopathology of skeletal muscle obtained post‐mortem disclosed numerous rounded atrophic or hypotrophic fibers with internal nuclei or central basophilic staining. Using oxidative reactions mediated by cytochrome C oxidase and succinic dehydrogenase, scattered myofibers were observed to have central dark staining structures and a “ring‐like” appearance. Given the cat's age and clinical history, a congenital myopathy was considered most likely, with the central nuclei and “ring‐like” changes consistent with either centronuclear or myotubular myopathy. Whole genome sequencing identified an underlying missense variant in myotubularin 1 (MTM1), a known candidate gene for X‐linked myotubular myopathy. New or Unique Information Provided This case is the first report of X‐linked myotubular myopathy in a cat with an MTM1 missense mutation. Maine coon cat breeders may consider screening for this variant to prevent production of affected cats and to eradicate the variant from the breeding population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Kopke
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Veterinary Nutrition Group, Le Fel, France
| | - G Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Leslie A Lyons
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Meredith J Wall
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Veterinary Nutrition Group, Le Fel, France
| | - Sarah Pemberton
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Kristene R Gedye
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca Owen
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Ling T Guo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Reuben M Buckley
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Juan A Valencia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Boyd R Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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3
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Gougeon E, Larcher T, Ledevin M, McGrotty Y, Méheust P. Myopathy with oval inclusions in a domestic shorthair cat. JFMS Open Rep 2022; 8:20551169221081418. [PMID: 35356305 PMCID: PMC8958517 DOI: 10.1177/20551169221081418] [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: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Case summary An 18-month-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was presented with a 2-month history of collapse and severe weakness, particularly affecting the pelvic limbs. A biceps femoris muscle biopsy revealed excessive variability in myofibre size, mild necrosis, minimal centronucleation and scattered 10 μm intracytoplasmic oval inclusions. The inclusions appeared amphophilic with haematoxylin and eosin, blue with Gomori trichrome and unstained with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase tetrazolium reductase staining. ATPase staining revealed a normal mosaic pattern and atrophy of both type 1 and 2 myofibres. The pathological diagnosis was a myopathy with inclusions. In contrast to previous feline myofibre inclusions previously reported in the literature, inclusions were not identified after immunohistochemistry using anti-desmin, tubulin, spectrin, laminin, LAMP and LC3 antibodies. After supportive care and corticosteroid treatment, clinical improvement was noted and the cat was discharged 10 days after initial presentation. Clinical and neurological re-examinations were performed at 1, 3, 6 and 9 months after discharge. Owner contact at both 10 and 30 months post-discharge confirmed that persistent muscular weakness was present. Relevance and novel information This case report describes a novel and slowly progressive feline myopathy associated with oval amphophilic inclusions unreactive to immunostaining, which have not been previously reported in feline myopathies.
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Shelton GD, Minor KM, Thomovsky S, Guo LT, Friedenberg SG, Cullen JN, Mickelson JR. Congenital muscular dystrophy in a dog with a LAMA2 gene deletion. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 36:279-284. [PMID: 34854126 PMCID: PMC8783360 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
A 2-year-old female spayed dog was presented with a chronic history of short-strided gait and inability to completely open the jaw. Clinical signs were present since the dog was adopted from a humane society at a few months of age. Serum creatine kinase activity was abnormally high. Neurological examination, electromyography, muscle biopsies with immunofluorescent staining, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) were performed. A dystrophic phenotype was identified histologically in muscle biopsies, deficiency of laminin α2 protein was confirmed by immunofluorescent staining, and a deletion in the LAMA2 gene was identified by analysis of the WGS data. Congenital muscular dystrophy associated with a disease variant in LAMA2 was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Katie M Minor
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Stephanie Thomovsky
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Ling T Guo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Steven G Friedenberg
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jonah N Cullen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - James R Mickelson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
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5
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Christen M, Indzhova V, Guo LT, Jagannathan V, Leeb T, Shelton GD, Brocal J. LAMA2 Nonsense Variant in an Italian Greyhound with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1823. [PMID: 34828429 PMCID: PMC8618982 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A 4-month-old, male Italian Greyhound with clinical signs of a neuromuscular disease was investigated. The affected dog presented with an abnormal short-strided gait, generalized muscle atrophy, and poor growth since 2-months of age. Serum biochemistry revealed a marked elevation in creatine kinase activity. Electrodiagnostic testing supported a myopathy. Histopathology of muscle biopsies confirmed a dystrophic phenotype with excessive variability in myofiber size, degenerating fibers, and endomysial fibrosis. A heritable form of congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) was suspected, and a genetic analysis initiated. We sequenced the genome of the affected dog and compared the data to that of 795 control genomes. This search revealed a private homozygous nonsense variant in LAMA2, XM_022419950.1:c.3285G>A, predicted to truncate 65% of the open reading frame of the wild type laminin α2 protein, XP_022275658.1:p.(Trp1095*). Immunofluorescent staining performed on muscle cryosections from the affected dog confirmed the complete absence of laminin α2 in skeletal muscle. LAMA2 loss of function variants were shown to cause severe laminin α2-related CMD in humans, mouse models, and in one previously described dog. Our data together with current knowledge on other species suggest the LAMA2 nonsense variant as cause for the CMD phenotype in the investigated dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Christen
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland; (M.C.); (V.J.)
| | - Victoria Indzhova
- Neurology-Neurosurgery Service, Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Solihull B90 4NH, West Midlands, UK;
| | - Ling T. Guo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0709, USA; (L.T.G.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Vidhya Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland; (M.C.); (V.J.)
| | - Tosso Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland; (M.C.); (V.J.)
| | - G. Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0709, USA; (L.T.G.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Josep Brocal
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, Winchester SO21 2LL, Hampshire, UK;
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Yang MT, Chang WH, Kuo TF, Shen MY, Yang CW, Tien YJ, Lai BY, Chen YR, Chang YC, Yang WC. Identification of Novel Biomarkers for Pre-diabetic Diagnosis Using a Combinational Approach. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:641336. [PMID: 33995275 PMCID: PMC8113970 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.641336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Reliable protein markers for pre-diabetes in humans are not clinically available. In order to identify novel and reliable protein markers for pre-diabetes in humans, healthy volunteers and patients diagnosed with pre-diabetes and stroke were recruited for blood collection. Blood samples were collected from healthy and pre-diabetic subjects 12 h after fasting. BMI was calculated from body weight and height. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), insulin and albumin were assayed by automated clinical laboratory methods. We used a quantitative proteomics approach to identify 1074 proteins from the sera of pre-diabetic and healthy subjects. Among them, 500 proteins were then selected using Mascot analysis scores. Further, 70 out of 500 proteins were selected via volcano plot analysis according to their statistical significance and average relative protein ratio. Eventually, 7 serum proteins were singled out as candidate markers for pre-diabetes due to their diabetic relevance and statistical significance. Immunoblotting data demonstrated that laminin subunit alpha 2 (LAMA2), mixed-lineage leukemia 4 (MLL4), and plexin domain containing 2 (PLXDC2) were expressed in pre-diabetic patients but not healthy volunteers. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the combination of the three proteins has greater diagnostic efficacy than any individual protein. Thus, LAMA2, MLL4 and PLXDC2 are novel and reliable serum protein markers for pre-diabetic diagnosis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ting Yang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hung Chang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tien-Fen Kuo
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yi Shen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Wen Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Bun-Yueh Lai
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yet-Ran Chen
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Cheng Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chin Yang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
- Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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7
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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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8
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Bouillon J, Taylor SM, Vargo C, Lange M, Zwicker LA, Sukut SL, Guo LT, Shelton GD. Beta-sarcoglycan-deficient muscular dystrophy presenting as chronic bronchopneumonia in a young cat. JFMS Open Rep 2019; 5:2055116919856457. [PMID: 31308955 PMCID: PMC6607561 DOI: 10.1177/2055116919856457] [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: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Case summary A 5-month-old cat was evaluated for a 3 week history of cough, nasal
discharge, decreased appetite and weight loss. Musculoskeletal examination
was normal and serum creatine kinase (CK) activity was within the reference
interval. The cat was treated during the next 10 months for chronic,
persistent pneumonia. Weakness then became apparent, the cat developed
dysphagia and was euthanized. Post-mortem evaluation revealed chronic
aspiration pneumonia and muscular dystrophy associated with beta
(β)-sarcoglycan deficiency. Relevance and novel information This is the first report of a cat with muscular dystrophy presenting for
chronic pneumonia without obvious megaesophagus, dysphagia or prominent
neuromuscular signs until late in the course of the disease. The absence of
gait abnormalities, marked muscle atrophy or hypertrophy and normal serum CK
activity delayed the diagnosis in this cat with β-sarcoglycan
deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Bouillon
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Suzanne M Taylor
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Cheryl Vargo
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Michelle Lange
- Martensville Veterinary Hospital, Martensville, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Lesley A Zwicker
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Sally L Sukut
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Ling T Guo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - G Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Qiao C, Dai Y, Nikolova VD, Jin Q, Li J, Xiao B, Li J, Moy SS, Xiao X. Amelioration of Muscle and Nerve Pathology in LAMA2 Muscular Dystrophy by AAV9-Mini-Agrin. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 9:47-56. [PMID: 29766020 PMCID: PMC5948311 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy (LAMA2 MD) is the most common and fatal form of early-onset congenital muscular dystrophies. Due to the large size of the laminin α2 cDNA and heterotrimeric structure of the protein, it is challenging to develop a gene-replacement therapy. Our group has developed a novel adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector carrying the mini-agrin, which is a non-homologous functional substitute for the mutated laminin α2. A significant therapeutic effect in skeletal muscle was observed in our previous study using AAV serotype 1 (AAV1). In this investigation, we examined AAV9 vector, which has more widespread transduction than AAV1, to determine if the therapeutic effects could be further improved. As expected, AAV9-mini-agrin treatment offered enhanced therapeutic effects over the previously used AAV1-mini-agrin in extending mouse lifespan and improvement of muscle pathology. Additionally, overexpression of mini-agrin in peripheral nerves of dyw/dyw mice partially amended nerve pathology as evidenced by improved motor function and sensorimotor processing, partial restoration of myelination, partial restoration of basement membrane via EM examination, as well as decreased regeneration of Schwann cells. In conclusion, our studies indicate that overexpression of mini-agrin into dyw/dyw mice offers profound therapeutic effects in both skeletal muscle and nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunping Qiao
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Yi Dai
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, Beijing, China 100730
| | - Viktoriya D Nikolova
- Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Quan Jin
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jianbin Li
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Bin Xiao
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Juan Li
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Sheryl S Moy
- Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
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10
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Yurchenco PD, McKee KK, Reinhard JR, Rüegg MA. Laminin-deficient muscular dystrophy: Molecular pathogenesis and structural repair strategies. Matrix Biol 2017; 71-72:174-187. [PMID: 29191403 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Laminins are large heterotrimers composed of the α, β and γ subunits with distinct tissue-specific and developmentally regulated expression patterns. The laminin-α2 subunit, encoded by the LAMA2 gene, is expressed in skeletal muscle, Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve and astrocytes and pericytes of the capillaries in the brain. Mutations in LAMA2 cause the most common type of congenital muscular dystrophies, called LAMA2 MD or MDC1A. The disorder manifests mostly as a muscular dystrophy but slowing of nerve conduction contributes to the disease. There are severe, non-ambulatory or milder, ambulatory variants, the latter resulting from reduced laminin-α2 expression and/or deficient laminin-α2 function. Lm-211 (α2β1γ1) is responsible for initiating basement membrane assembly. This is primarily accomplished by anchorage of Lm-211 to dystroglycan and α7β1 integrin receptors, polymerization, and binding to nidogen and other structural components. In LAMA2 MD, Lm-411 replaces Lm-211; however, Lm-411 lacks the ability to polymerize and bind to receptors. This results in a weakened basement membrane leading to the disease. The possibility of introducing structural repair proteins that correct the underlying abnormality is an attractive therapeutic goal. Recent studies in mouse models for LAMA2 MD reveal that introduction of laminin-binding linker proteins that restore lost functional activities can substantially ameliorate the disease. This review discusses the underlying mechanism of this repair and compares this approach to other developing therapies employing pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Yurchenco
- Dept. Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Karen K McKee
- Dept. Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | | | - Markus A Rüegg
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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11
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Shiga T, Uchida K, Chambers JK, Nakayama H. Immunohistochemical analysis of canine and feline muscle disorders using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. J Vet Diagn Invest 2017; 29:805-813. [PMID: 28599613 DOI: 10.1177/1040638717715287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Histochemical techniques used in examination of muscle biopsies typically require frozen sections. Given that most of the specimens submitted to a veterinary laboratory for diagnosis are formalin-fixed, the choice of staining methods is limited. We aimed to further advance the diagnostic capabilities of pathologists presented with formalin-fixed muscle samples and to describe the differences in immunohistopathologic findings between neurogenic and myogenic muscle disorders. Based on hematoxylin and eosin staining, we defined in dogs the histologic lesions in 4 neurogenic disorders (degenerative myelopathy and polyneuropathy) and 2 myogenic disorders (dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy). In cats, we defined the lesions in 2 neurogenic disorders (lymphoma of nerve roots and spinal cords) and 1 myogenic disorder (laminin α2-deficient muscular dystrophy). Immunohistochemistry for slow and fast myosins revealed angular and group atrophy of type 1 and type 2 fibers in dogs and cats, and fiber type grouping in dogs. These immunohistopathologic findings were specific to neurogenic muscle disorders. Immunohistochemistry for nestin and myogenin revealed nestin-positive fibers and myogenin-positive nuclei in dogs and cats. They were not specific, but these fibers in myogenic disorders can be interpreted as regenerating fibers. The immunohistochemical method described herein appears to be useful for discriminating neurogenic and myogenic disorders in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded muscle tissue of dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Shiga
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Uchida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - James K Chambers
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakayama
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Gambino AN, Mouser PJ, Shelton GD, Winand NJ. Emergent presentation of a cat with dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2014; 50:130-5. [PMID: 24446404 DOI: 10.5326/jaaha-ms-5973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This report describes a case of feline dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy (DDMD) with an atypical clinical presentation. A novel gene mutation is reported to be responsible for dystrophin-deficient hypertrophic muscular dystrophy. In an emergency setting, clinicians should be aware of muscular dystrophy in young cats and the importance of elevated creatine kinase (CK) activity. Muscular dystrophy is rare but can present both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in an emergency setting. Patients with muscular dystrophy have a progressive disease with no specific treatment and have an increased risk for death during their hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya N Gambino
- Department Emergency and Critical Care, Angell Animal Medical Center, Boston, MA; Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
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13
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Horiuchi N, Aihara N, Mizutani H, Kousaka S, Nagafuchi T, Ochiai M, Ochiai K, Kobayashi Y, Furuoka H, Asai T, Oishi K. Becker muscular dystrophy-like myopathy regarded as so-called "fatty muscular dystrophy" in a pig: a case report and its diagnostic method. J Vet Med Sci 2013; 76:243-8. [PMID: 24162004 PMCID: PMC3982806 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.13-0336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a case of human Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD)-like myopathy that was characterized by the declined stainability of dystrophin at sarcolemma in a pig and the immunostaining for dystrophin on the formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. The present case was found in a meat inspection center. The pig looked appeared healthy at the ante-mortem inspection. Muscular abnormalities were detected after carcass dressing as pale, discolored skeletal muscles with prominent fat infiltrations and considered so-called “fatty muscular dystrophy”. Microscopic examination revealed following characteristics: diffused fat infiltration into the skeletal muscle and degeneration and regeneration of the remaining skeletal muscle fibers. Any lesions that were suspected of neurogenic atrophy, traumatic muscular degeneration, glycogen storage disease or other porcine muscular disorders were not observed. The immunostaining for dystrophin was conducted and confirmed to be applicable on FFPE porcine muscular tissues and revealed diminished stainability of dystrophin at the sarcolemma in the present case. Based on the histological observations and immunostaining results, the present case was diagnosed with BMD-like myopathy associated with dystrophin abnormality in a pig. Although the genetic properties were not clear, the present BMD-like myopathy implied the occurrence of dystrophinopathy in pigs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a natural case of myopathy associated with dystrophin abnormalities in a pig.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyuki Horiuchi
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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14
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Abstract
A chain is no stronger than its weakest link is an old idiom that holds true for muscle biology. As the name implies, skeletal muscle's main function is to move the bones. However, for a muscle to transmit force and withstand the stress that contractions give rise to, it relies on a chain of proteins attaching the cytoskeleton of the muscle fiber to the surrounding extracellular matrix. The importance of this attachment is illustrated by a large number of muscular dystrophies caused by interruption of the cytoskeletal-extracellular matrix interaction. One of the major components of the extracellular matrix is laminin, a heterotrimeric glycoprotein and a major constituent of the basement membrane. It has become increasingly apparent that laminins are involved in a multitude of biological functions, including cell adhesion, differentiation, proliferation, migration and survival. This review will focus on the importance of laminin-211 for normal skeletal muscle function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Holmberg
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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15
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Gupta VA, Kawahara G, Myers JA, Chen AT, Hall TE, Manzini MC, Currie PD, Zhou Y, Zon LI, Kunkel LM, Beggs AH. A splice site mutation in laminin-α2 results in a severe muscular dystrophy and growth abnormalities in zebrafish. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43794. [PMID: 22952766 PMCID: PMC3428294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of inherited muscle disorders. In patients, muscle weakness is usually present at or shortly after birth and is progressive in nature. Merosin deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (MDC1A) is a form of CMD caused by a defect in the laminin-α2 gene (LAMA2). Laminin-α2 is an extracellular matrix protein that interacts with the dystrophin-dystroglycan (DGC) complex in membranes providing stability to muscle fibers. In an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis screen to develop zebrafish models of neuromuscular diseases, we identified a mutant fish that exhibits severe muscular dystrophy early in development. Genetic mapping identified a splice site mutation in the lama2 gene. This splice site is highly conserved in humans and this mutation results in mis-splicing of RNA and a loss of protein function. Homozygous lama2 mutant zebrafish, designated lama2cl501/cl501, exhibited reduced motor function and progressive degeneration of skeletal muscles and died at 8–15 days post fertilization. The skeletal muscles exhibited damaged myosepta and detachment of myofibers in the affected fish. Laminin-α2 deficiency also resulted in growth defects in the brain and eye of the mutant fish. This laminin-α2 deficient mutant fish represents a novel disease model to develop therapies for modulating splicing defects in congenital muscular dystrophies and to restore the muscle function in human patients with CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana A. Gupta
- Genomics Program and Division of Genetics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Genri Kawahara
- Genomics Program and Division of Genetics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jennifer A. Myers
- Genomics Program and Division of Genetics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Aye T. Chen
- Stem Cell Program and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Thomas E. Hall
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Victoria, Australia
| | - M. Chiara Manzini
- Genomics Program and Division of Genetics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Peter D. Currie
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yi Zhou
- Stem Cell Program and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Leonard I. Zon
- Stem Cell Program and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Louis M. Kunkel
- Genomics Program and Division of Genetics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alan H. Beggs
- Genomics Program and Division of Genetics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Salvadori C, Vattemi G, Marini M, Bocchese E, Tomelleri G, Utrilla A, Cantile C. Adult-Onset Muscular Dystrophy in a Cat associated with a Presumptive Alteration in Trafficking of Caveolin-3. J Comp Pathol 2012; 147:253-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2011.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Revised: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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17
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Guo LT, Moore SA, Forcales S, Engvall E, Shelton GD. Evaluation of commercial dysferlin antibodies on canine, mouse and human skeletal muscle. Neuromuscul Disord 2011; 20:820-5. [PMID: 20817457 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2010.07.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2010] [Revised: 07/10/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunostaining of muscle biopsy cryosections is a powerful tool for identifying protein deficiencies. For dysferlin, a protein associated with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy and Miyoshi myopathy, weak immunostaining of normal muscle has been a problem in reliably identifying dysferlin deficiency in human patients or dystrophic animals. Here we use skeletal muscle cryosections from dog, mouse and human to test several dysferlin antibodies under different conditions of fixation, and without fixation. NCL-Hamlet antibody (mouse monoclonal), following fixation in acetone/methanol, provided the strongest and most reliable staining in sections of human muscle as well as of dog and mouse muscle. Unlike animal tissue, unfixed human muscle also gave strong and reliable staining. NCL-Hamlet 2 gave good staining in all species. Epitomics (rabbit monoclonal) antibody gave good staining of all muscles, and did not stain muscle of dysferlin-deficient mice. However, it strongly stained muscle sarcolemma of patients with dysferlin deficiency, making the antibody less useful. Abcam antibody gave weak staining, and Santa Cruz antibodies did not immunostain muscle dysferlin in any species tested. NCL-Hamlet antibody was optimal for immunoblotting in all species. Use of select antibodies for immunostaining and immunoblotting, and optimization of immunostaining methods, should increase the sensitivity of detecting dysferlin deficiency in skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling T Guo
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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18
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19
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Shelton GD. Routine and specialized laboratory testing for the diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases in dogs and cats. Vet Clin Pathol 2010; 39:278-95. [PMID: 20726955 DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-165x.2010.00244.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases can be challenging. The first step is recognition that the disease involves the neuromuscular system (muscle, neuromuscular junction, peripheral nerve, and ventral horn cells of the spinal cord). Many neuromuscular diseases share clinical signs and cannot be distinguished based on clinical examination. Routine laboratory screening, including a CBC, biochemical profile, and urinalysis, can identify some of the most common systemic abnormalities that cause muscle weakness and myalgia, such as hypo- and hyperglycemia, electrolyte disorders, or thyroid abnormalities, and may suggest a specific diagnosis, such as diabetes mellitus, hypo- or hyperadrenocorticism, renal failure, or hypothyroidism. Increased creatine kinase activity, increased cardiac troponin I concentration, and myoglobinuria are useful in detecting skeletal and cardiac muscle damage. Identification of acetylcholine receptor antibodies is diagnostic for acquired myasthenia gravis. For primary muscle or peripheral nerve diseases, tissue biopsy is the most direct way to determine specific pathology, correctly classify the disease, and determine the course of additional laboratory testing. For example, inflammatory, necrotizing, dystrophic, metabolic, or congenital myopathies require different laboratory testing procedures for further characterization. Many neuromuscular diseases are inherited or breed-associated, and DNA-based tests may already be established or may be feasible to develop after the disorder has been accurately characterized. This review focuses on both routine and specialized laboratory testing necessary to reach a definitive diagnosis and determine an accurate prognosis for neuromuscular diseases.
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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.
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20
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Rohdin C, Karlstam E, Jäderlund KH, Shelton GD. Acquired motor neuron loss causing severe pelvic limb contractures in a young cat. J Feline Med Surg 2010; 12:237-40. [PMID: 20193915 PMCID: PMC10829159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2010.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PRESENTATION This report describes a kitten with paraplegia and extensor rigidity of the pelvic limbs associated with motor neuron loss and chronic denervation of skeletal muscle. Persistent skeletal muscle atrophy and degeneration had resulted in immobile stifle and hock joints and severe pelvic limb rigidity consistent with a neurogenic form of arthrogryposis. Both pelvic limbs were equally affected and the kitten showed no signs of pain. INVESTIGATIONS Electromyography identified spontaneous activity in the pelvic limbs. Muscle and peripheral nerve biopsies showed pathology consistent with denervation. On necropsy, 3 weeks after admittance, severe degenerative changes including axonal necrosis and myelin degeneration were confirmed in the lumbar spinal cord. CLINICAL RELEVANCE There are very few descriptions of feline motor neuron degeneration in the literature and obtaining an ante-mortem diagnosis is difficult. Although an inherited disorder cannot be ruled out, a condition acquired congenitally in utero or postnatally was suspected in this case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Rohdin
- Albano Small Animal Hospital, Rinkebyvägen 23, SE-182 36 Danderyd, Sweden.
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21
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Histochemical and immunohistological approach to comparative neuromuscular diseases. Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2009; 47:143-52. [DOI: 10.2478/v10042-009-0066-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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22
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Ginman AA, Kline KL, Shelton GD. Severe polymyositis and neuritis in a cat. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2009; 235:172-5. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.235.2.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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23
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Salvadori C, Vattemi G, Lombardo R, Marini M, Cantile C, Shelton GD. Muscular dystrophy with reduced beta-sarcoglycan in a cat. J Comp Pathol 2009; 140:278-82. [PMID: 19203767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2008.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2008] [Revised: 11/26/2008] [Accepted: 12/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A partial beta-sarcoglycan (SG) deficiency with retention of other components of the SG complex (SGC) is described in 6-month-old, intact male domestic shorthaired kitten that was referred for evaluation of weakness, reluctance to move and dyspnoea. Neurological deficits were restricted to the neuromuscular system. Muscle biopsy revealed moderate variability in myofibre size, with numerous atrophic rounded fibres, rare myofibre necrosis, regeneration and moderate perimysial and endomysial fibrosis. Immunohistochemistry revealed decreased expression of beta- and gamma-SG and western blotting revealed markedly decreased beta-SG with normal expression of alpha-, gamma- and delta-SG, caveolin-3 and calpain-3. Sarcoglycanopathy has not previously been described in cats. In human and canine sarcoglycanopathies the deficiency in any one of the SGs leads to secondary deficiency of the entire SGC. Such spontaneously arising muscular disease in animals can provide valuable models for equivalent human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Salvadori
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa
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24
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Martin PT, Shelton GD, Dickinson PJ, Sturges BK, Xu R, LeCouteur RA, Guo LT, Grahn RA, Lo HP, North KN, Malik R, Engvall E, Lyons LA. Muscular dystrophy associated with alpha-dystroglycan deficiency in Sphynx and Devon Rex cats. Neuromuscul Disord 2008; 18:942-52. [PMID: 18990577 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2008.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2008] [Revised: 07/27/2008] [Accepted: 08/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have identified a number of forms of muscular dystrophy, termed dystroglycanopathies, which are associated with loss of natively glycosylated alpha-dystroglycan. Here we identify a new animal model for this class of disorders in Sphynx and Devon Rex cats. Affected cats displayed a slowly progressive myopathy with clinical and histologic hallmarks of muscular dystrophy including skeletal muscle weakness with no involvement of peripheral nerves or CNS. Skeletal muscles had myopathic features and reduced expression of alpha-dystroglycan, while beta-dystroglycan, sarcoglycans, and dystrophin were expressed at normal levels. In the Sphynx cat, analysis of laminin and lectin binding capacity demonstrated no loss in overall glycosylation or ligand binding for the alpha-dystroglycan protein, only a loss of protein expression. A reduction in laminin-alpha2 expression in the basal lamina surrounding skeletal myofibers was also observed. Sequence analysis of translated regions of the feline dystroglycan gene (DAG1) in affected cats did not identify a causative mutation, and levels of DAG1 mRNA determined by real-time QRT-PCR did not differ significantly from normal controls. Reduction in the levels of glycosylated alpha-dystroglycan by immunoblot was also identified in an affected Devon Rex cat. These data suggest that muscular dystrophy in Sphynx and Devon Rex cats results from a deficiency in alpha-dystroglycan protein expression, and as such may represent a new type of dystroglycanopathy where expression, but not glycosylation, is affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul T Martin
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
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25
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Awamura Y, Uchida K, Arikawa-Hirasawa E. Long-term follow-up of laminin alpha2 (merosin)-deficient muscular dystrophy in a cat. J Feline Med Surg 2008; 10:274-9. [PMID: 18243745 PMCID: PMC7129761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2007.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Progressive muscle weakness beginning at 6 months of age was observed in a male Persian-mix cat. Muscle atrophy and joint contracture progressed over the next 3 years. The cat had developed gait difficulty at 8 months of age. The cat died at age of 5 years and 3 months due to an acute respiratory disorder. The clinical, laboratory, necropsy and histopathological findings of the cat were consistent with those of muscular dystrophy. The cat was diagnosed as having laminin alpha2 (merosin)-deficient muscular dystrophy on the basis of immunohistochemical findings. The cat was born in an inbred colony, and another related cat exhibited similar clinical signs. Few cases of laminin alpha2-deficient muscular dystrophy have been reported in cats, and this report provides additional information about the disease.
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26
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Abstract
The neurologic examination in the puppy or kitten can be a challenging experience. Understanding the development of behavior reflexes and movement in puppies and kittens enables us to overcome some of these challenges and to recognize the neurologically abnormal patient. Subsequently,we can identify the neuroanatomic localization and generate a differential diagnosis list. This article first reviews the pediatric neurologic examination and then discusses diseases unique to these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Lavely
- The Animal Care Center, 6470 Redwood Drive, Rohnert Park, CA 94928, USA.
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27
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Qiao C, Li J, Zhu T, Draviam R, Watkins S, Ye X, Chen C, Li J, Xiao X. Amelioration of laminin-alpha2-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy by somatic gene transfer of miniagrin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 102:11999-2004. [PMID: 16103356 PMCID: PMC1189311 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0502137102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) is characterized by severe muscle wasting, premature death in early childhood, and lack of effective treatment. Most of the CMD cases are caused by genetic mutations of laminin-alpha2, which is essential for the structural integrity of muscle extracellular matrix. Here, we report that somatic gene delivery of a structurally unrelated protein, a miniature version of agrin, functionally compensates for laminin-alpha2 deficiency in the murine models of CMD. Adeno-associated virus-mediated overexpression of miniagrin restored the structural integrity of myofiber basal lamina, inhibited interstitial fibrosis, and ameliorated dystrophic pathology. Furthermore, systemic gene delivery of miniagrin into multiple vital muscles significantly improved whole body growth and motility and quadrupled the lifespan (50% survival) of the dystrophic mice. Thus, our study demonstrated the efficacy of somatic gene therapy in a mouse model of CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunping Qiao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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28
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Shelton GD, Engvall E. Canine and feline models of human inherited muscle diseases. Neuromuscul Disord 2005; 15:127-38. [PMID: 15694134 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2004.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2004] [Revised: 09/23/2004] [Accepted: 10/13/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Animal models are of immense importance for studying mechanisms of disease and testing new therapies, and rodents have been used extensively in the field of neuromuscular disorders. Mice and rats can be genetically manipulated to over-express or not express genes that are important to muscle function, and these animals can be available in large numbers for analysis. Other species, such as cats and dogs, cannot be manipulated in the same ways or be used in large numbers, but they have spontaneously occurring muscle diseases with clinical presentations more closely resembling those of the human disorders. Therefore, cats and dogs may become valuable as intermediate disease models. This review focuses on canine and feline models of human inherited muscle diseases with comparisons to rodent models and an emphasis on the muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0709, USA.
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29
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Coates JR, O'Brien DP. Inherited peripheral neuropathies in dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2004; 34:1361-401. [PMID: 15474679 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2004.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joan R Coates
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Clydesdale Hall, 379 East Campus Drive, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri at Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Dickinson
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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31
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Gaschen F, Jaggy A, Jones B. Congenital diseases of feline muscle and neuromuscular junction. J Feline Med Surg 2004; 6:355-66. [PMID: 15546767 PMCID: PMC10822525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2004.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Although muscle diseases occur relatively rarely in cats, a number of congenital feline myopathies have been described over the last 20 years and are reviewed in this paper. Some of them have been reported exclusively in specific breeds, including the hypokalaemic myopathy of Burmese cats, type IV glycogen storage disease in Norwegian Forest cats, or the myopathy of Devon Rex. Other congenital disorders of muscle and neuromuscular junction such as myotonia congenita, dystrophin-deficient hypertrophic feline muscular dystrophy, laminin alpha2 deficiency, or congenital myasthenia gravis may occur in any cat. A systematic approach is essential in order to efficiently obtain a timely diagnosis in cats showing signs of muscle disease. After a thorough clinical examination, this approach includes blood analyses (eg, serum concentration of muscle enzymes), electrophysiology where available (electromyography, nerve conduction studies), and sampling of muscle biopsies for histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical evaluation. When available, detection of healthy carriers of these genetic disorders is important to eliminate the gene mutations from breeding families. Clinicians regularly receiving feline patients must have a good knowledge of congenital feline myopathies and the features which enable a diagnosis to be made and prognosis given. Besides preserving or restoring the well-being of the myopathic patient, rapid and efficient information and counselling of the breeders are of central importance in order to prevent the recurrence of the problem in specific breeding lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Gaschen
- Division of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bern, Laenggass-str. 128, 3001 Bern, Switzerland.
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32
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J Schatzberg
- Cornell University Hospital for Animals, Cornell University, Box 35, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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33
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Quijano-Roy S, Renault F, Romero N, Guicheney P, Fardeau M, Estournet B. EMG and nerve conduction studies in children with congenital muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve 2004; 29:292-9. [PMID: 14755496 DOI: 10.1002/mus.10544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities (NCVs) and needle electromyography (EMG) results were reviewed in 26 children with different types of congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD), including patients with mutations in the genes LAMA2, FKRP, and COL6A2. In every patient, at least one EMG examination detected myopathic changes that were predominant in proximal muscles, although EMG performed at birth was normal in two patients. Brief bursts of high-frequency repetitive discharges were electrically elicited in four patients. Uniformly slowed motor NCVs without signs of denervation were observed in seven patients: five merosin-deficient, one merosin-positive, and one with unavailable merosin status. The merosin-deficient neuropathy also involved sensory nerves in three patients and worsened with age in two. In conclusion, myopathic EMG changes were typical and early findings in all types of CMD. An associated neuropathy was detected in most patients with merosin-deficient CMD, and also in a child with normal merosin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Quijano-Roy
- Unité de Neurophysiologie, Hôpital d'Enfants Armand-Trousseau, 28 avenue Arnold Netter, 75571 Paris, France
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34
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Poncelet L, Résibois A, Engvall E, Shelton GD. Laminin alpha2 deficiency-associated muscular dystrophy in a Maine coon cat. J Small Anim Pract 2003; 44:550-2. [PMID: 14692554 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2003.tb00120.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A European case of laminin alpha2 deficiency-associated muscular dystrophy in a 12-month-old, female Maine coon pedigree cat is reported. The history and eventual clinical presentation of this cat differed from those of two cats reported in the USA. In this case, the myopathy was characterised by progressively worsening weakness, muscle atrophy and joint contracture. Tendon reflexes were diminished, and motor nerve conduction velocities were slowed. Muscle biopsy demonstrated a dystrophic phenotype with endomysial fibrosis. Occasional thinly myelinated nerve fibres were present within a peripheral nerve specimen. Poorly myelinated fibres were also found at the root level on necropsy specimens. Immunohistochemical staining revealed the absence of laminin alpha2. The cat's family history did not indicate genetic transmission of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Poncelet
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Free University of Brussels, route de Lennik 808, B-1070 Brussels, Belgium
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Previtali SC, Dina G, Nodari A, Fasolini M, Wrabetz L, Mayer U, Feltri ML, Quattrini A. Schwann cells synthesize alpha7beta1 integrin which is dispensable for peripheral nerve development and myelination. Mol Cell Neurosci 2003; 23:210-8. [PMID: 12812754 DOI: 10.1016/s1044-7431(03)00014-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Defects in laminins or laminin receptors are responsible for various neuromuscular disorders, including peripheral neuropathies. Interactions between Schwann cells and their basal lamina are fundamental to peripheral nerve development and successful myelination. Selected laminins are expressed in the endoneurium, and their receptors are developmentally regulated during peripheral nerve formation. Loss-of-function mutations have confirmed the importance and the role of some of these molecules. Here we show for the first time that another laminin receptor, alpha7beta1 integrin, previously described only in neurons, is also expressed in Schwann cells. The expression of alpha7 appears postnatally, such that alpha7beta1 is the last laminin receptor expressed by differentiating Schwann cells. Genetic inactivation of the alpha7 subunit in mice does not affect peripheral nerve formation or the expression of other laminin receptors. Of note, alpha7beta1 is not necessary for basal lamina formation and myelination. Nonetheless, these data taken together with the previous demonstration of impaired axonal regrowth in alpha7-null mice suggest a possible Schwann cell-autonomous role for alpha7 in nerve regeneration.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Basement Membrane/metabolism
- Basement Membrane/pathology
- Basement Membrane/ultrastructure
- Cells, Cultured
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/genetics
- Immunohistochemistry
- Integrins/biosynthesis
- Integrins/deficiency
- Integrins/genetics
- Laminin/genetics
- Laminin/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Microscopy, Electron
- Myelin Sheath/metabolism
- Myelin Sheath/ultrastructure
- Myopathies, Structural, Congenital/genetics
- Myopathies, Structural, Congenital/metabolism
- Myopathies, Structural, Congenital/pathology
- Nerve Fibers, Myelinated/metabolism
- Nerve Fibers, Myelinated/ultrastructure
- Nerve Regeneration/genetics
- Peripheral Nerves/growth & development
- Peripheral Nerves/metabolism
- Peripheral Nerves/ultrastructure
- Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/genetics
- Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/metabolism
- Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/physiopathology
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Schwann Cells/metabolism
- Schwann Cells/ultrastructure
- Spinal Nerve Roots/growth & development
- Spinal Nerve Roots/metabolism
- Spinal Nerve Roots/ultrastructure
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Previtali
- Neuropathology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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Guo LT, Zhang XU, Kuang W, Xu H, Liu LA, Vilquin JT, Miyagoe-Suzuki Y, Takeda S, Ruegg MA, Wewer UM, Engvall E. Laminin alpha2 deficiency and muscular dystrophy; genotype-phenotype correlation in mutant mice. Neuromuscul Disord 2003; 13:207-15. [PMID: 12609502 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-8966(02)00266-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Deficiency of laminin alpha2 is the cause of one of the most severe muscular dystrophies in humans and other species. It is not yet clear how particular mutations in the laminin alpha2 chain gene affect protein expression, and how abnormal levels or structure of the protein affect disease. Animal models may be valuable for such genotype-phenotype analysis and for determining mechanism of disease as well as function of laminin. Here, we have analyzed protein expression in three lines of mice with mutations in the laminin alpha2 chain gene and in two lines of transgenic mice overexpressing the human laminin alpha2 chain gene in skeletal muscle. The dy(3K)/dy(3K) experimental mutant mice are completely deficient in laminin alpha2; the dy/dy spontaneous mutant mice have small amounts of apparently normal laminin; and the dy(W)/dy(W) mice express even smaller amounts of a truncated laminin alpha2, lacking domain VI. Interestingly, all mutants lack laminin alpha2 in peripheral nerve. We have demonstrated previously, that overexpression of the human laminin alpha2 in skeletal muscle in dy(2J)/dy(2J) and dy(W)/dy(W) mice under the control of a striated muscle-specific creatine kinase promoter substantially prevented the muscular dystrophy in these mice. However, dy(W)/dy(W) mice, expressing the human laminin alpha2 under the control of the striated muscle-specific portion of the desmin promoter, still developed muscular dystrophy. This failure to rescue is apparently because of insufficient production of laminin alpha2. This study provides additional evidence that the amount of laminin alpha2 is most critical for the prevention of muscular dystrophy. These data may thus be of significance for attempts to treat congenital muscular dystrophy in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- L T Guo
- The Burnham Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Bergman RL, Inzana KD, Monroe WE, Shell LG, Liu LA, Engvall E, Shelton GD. Dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in a Labrador retriever. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2002; 38:255-61. [PMID: 12022412 DOI: 10.5326/0380255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Sex-linked muscular dystrophy associated with dystrophin deficiency has been reported in several breeds of dogs and is best characterized in the golden retriever. In this case report, a young, male Labrador retriever with dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy is presented. Clinical signs included generalized weakness, lingual hypertrophy, and dysphagia. Electromyographic abnormalities including complex repetitive discharges were present. Serum creatine kinase concentration was dramatically elevated. Histopathological changes within a muscle biopsy specimen confirmed a dystrophic myopathy, and dystrophin deficiency was demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining. While X-linked muscular dystrophy has not previously been reported in the Labrador retriever, a hereditary myopathy with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance has been characterized. A correct diagnosis and classification of these two disorders are critical for breeders and owners since both the mode of inheritance and the prognosis differ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Bergman
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
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Abstract
It is certain that more inherited neuromuscular disorders of dogs and cats will be identified as the ability of practicing veterinarians to recognize disorders of muscle, nerve, and neuromuscular junction improves and newer diagnostic tests become available. Two specific points are critical. Before DNA-based genetic tests and specific therapies can be developed, an accurate description of the problem, clinically and histopathologically, must be performed. This is particularly important for the accuracy of a pedigree analysis, because inclusion of dogs with unrelated problems would alter the interpretation. Second, animals with inherited breed-associated disease should not be bred for generation of companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0612, USA.
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