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Laurent M, Geoffroy M, Pavani G, Guiraud S. CRISPR-Based Gene Therapies: From Preclinical to Clinical Treatments. Cells 2024; 13:800. [PMID: 38786024 PMCID: PMC11119143 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein have emerged as a revolutionary gene editing tool to treat inherited disorders affecting different organ systems, such as blood and muscles. Both hematological and neuromuscular genetic disorders benefit from genome editing approaches but face different challenges in their clinical translation. The ability of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies to modify hematopoietic stem cells ex vivo has greatly accelerated the development of genetic therapies for blood disorders. In the last decade, many clinical trials were initiated and are now delivering encouraging results. The recent FDA approval of Casgevy, the first CRISPR/Cas9-based drug for severe sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, represents a significant milestone in the field and highlights the great potential of this technology. Similar preclinical efforts are currently expanding CRISPR therapies to other hematologic disorders such as primary immunodeficiencies. In the neuromuscular field, the versatility of CRISPR/Cas9 has been instrumental for the generation of new cellular and animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), offering innovative platforms to speed up preclinical development of therapeutic solutions. Several corrective interventions have been proposed to genetically restore dystrophin production using the CRISPR toolbox and have demonstrated promising results in different DMD animal models. Although these advances represent a significant step forward to the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas9 therapies to DMD, there are still many hurdles to overcome, such as in vivo delivery methods associated with high viral vector doses, together with safety and immunological concerns. Collectively, the results obtained in the hematological and neuromuscular fields emphasize the transformative impact of CRISPR/Cas9 for patients affected by these debilitating conditions. As each field suffers from different and specific challenges, the clinical translation of CRISPR therapies may progress differentially depending on the genetic disorder. Ongoing investigations and clinical trials will address risks and limitations of these therapies, including long-term efficacy, potential genotoxicity, and adverse immune reactions. This review provides insights into the diverse applications of CRISPR-based technologies in both preclinical and clinical settings for monogenic blood disorders and muscular dystrophy and compare advances in both fields while highlighting current trends, difficulties, and challenges to overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Laurent
- INTEGRARE, UMR_S951, Genethon, Inserm, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Evry, France
| | | | - Giulia Pavani
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Simon Guiraud
- SQY Therapeutics, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
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2
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Sun C, Serra C, Kalicharan BH, Harding J, Rao M. Challenges and Considerations of Preclinical Development for iPSC-Based Myogenic Cell Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:596. [PMID: 38607035 PMCID: PMC11011706 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a promising avenue in the field of regenerative medicine due to iPSCs' expandability, immune compatibility, and pluripotent potential. An increasing number of preclinical and clinical trials have been carried out, exploring the application of iPSC-based therapies for challenging diseases, such as muscular dystrophies. The unique syncytial nature of skeletal muscle allows stem/progenitor cells to integrate, forming new myonuclei and restoring the expression of genes affected by myopathies. This characteristic makes genome-editing techniques especially attractive in these therapies. With genetic modification and iPSC lineage specification methodologies, immune-compatible healthy iPSC-derived muscle cells can be manufactured to reverse the progression of muscle diseases or facilitate tissue regeneration. Despite this exciting advancement, much of the development of iPSC-based therapies for muscle diseases and tissue regeneration is limited to academic settings, with no successful clinical translation reported. The unknown differentiation process in vivo, potential tumorigenicity, and epigenetic abnormality of transplanted cells are preventing their clinical application. In this review, we give an overview on preclinical development of iPSC-derived myogenic cell transplantation therapies including processes related to iPSC-derived myogenic cells such as differentiation, scaling-up, delivery, and cGMP compliance. And we discuss the potential challenges of each step of clinical translation. Additionally, preclinical model systems for testing myogenic cells intended for clinical applications are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congshan Sun
- Vita Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD 21043, USA (M.R.)
| | - Carlo Serra
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | | | - Mahendra Rao
- Vita Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD 21043, USA (M.R.)
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3
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Roberts TC, Wood MJA, Davies KE. Therapeutic approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:917-934. [PMID: 37652974 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00775-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a monogenic muscle-wasting disorder and a priority candidate for molecular and cellular therapeutics. Although rare, it is the most common inherited myopathy affecting children and so has been the focus of intense research activity. It is caused by mutations that disrupt production of the dystrophin protein, and a plethora of drug development approaches are under way that aim to restore dystrophin function, including exon skipping, stop codon readthrough, gene replacement, cell therapy and gene editing. These efforts have led to the clinical approval of four exon skipping antisense oligonucleotides, one stop codon readthrough drug and one gene therapy product, with other approvals likely soon. Here, we discuss the latest therapeutic strategies that are under development and being deployed to treat DMD. Lessons from these drug development programmes are likely to have a major impact on the DMD field, but also on molecular and cellular medicine more generally. Thus, DMD is a pioneer disease at the forefront of future drug discovery efforts, with these experimental treatments paving the way for therapies using similar mechanisms of action being developed for other genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Roberts
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK.
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Kay E Davies
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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4
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Gleneadie HJ, Fernandez-Ruiz B, Sardini A, Van de Pette M, Dimond A, Prinjha RK, McGinty J, French PMW, Bagci H, Merkenschlager M, Fisher AG. Endogenous bioluminescent reporters reveal a sustained increase in utrophin gene expression upon EZH2 and ERK1/2 inhibition. Commun Biol 2023; 6:318. [PMID: 36966198 PMCID: PMC10039851 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04666-9] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disorder caused by loss of function mutations in the dystrophin gene (Dmd), resulting in progressive muscle weakening. Here we modelled the longitudinal expression of endogenous Dmd, and its paralogue Utrn, in mice and in myoblasts by generating bespoke bioluminescent gene reporters. As utrophin can partially compensate for Dmd-deficiency, these reporters were used as tools to ask whether chromatin-modifying drugs can enhance Utrn expression in developing muscle. Myoblasts treated with different PRC2 inhibitors showed significant increases in Utrn transcripts and bioluminescent signals, and these responses were independently verified by conditional Ezh2 deletion. Inhibition of ERK1/2 signalling provoked an additional increase in Utrn expression that was also seen in Dmd-mutant cells, and maintained as myoblasts differentiate. These data reveal PRC2 and ERK1/2 to be negative regulators of Utrn expression and provide specialised molecular imaging tools to monitor utrophin expression as a therapeutic strategy for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Gleneadie
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Ruiz
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Alessandro Sardini
- Whole Animal Physiology and Imaging Facility, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Mathew Van de Pette
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
- MRC Toxicology Unit, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Andrew Dimond
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Rab K Prinjha
- Immunology and Epigenetics Research Unit, Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - James McGinty
- Photonics Group, Department of Physics, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Paul M W French
- Photonics Group, Department of Physics, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Hakan Bagci
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Matthias Merkenschlager
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Amanda G Fisher
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3QU, Oxford, UK.
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Dubuisson N, Versele R, Planchon C, Selvais CM, Noel L, Abou-Samra M, Davis-López de Carrizosa MA. Histological Methods to Assess Skeletal Muscle Degeneration and Regeneration in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:16080. [PMID: 36555721 PMCID: PMC9786356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive disease caused by the loss of function of the protein dystrophin. This protein contributes to the stabilisation of striated cells during contraction, as it anchors the cytoskeleton with components of the extracellular matrix through the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC). Moreover, absence of the functional protein affects the expression and function of proteins within the DAPC, leading to molecular events responsible for myofibre damage, muscle weakening, disability and, eventually, premature death. Presently, there is no cure for DMD, but different treatments help manage some of the symptoms. Advances in genetic and exon-skipping therapies are the most promising intervention, the safety and efficiency of which are tested in animal models. In addition to in vivo functional tests, ex vivo molecular evaluation aids assess to what extent the therapy has contributed to the regenerative process. In this regard, the later advances in microscopy and image acquisition systems and the current expansion of antibodies for immunohistological evaluation together with the development of different spectrum fluorescent dyes have made histology a crucial tool. Nevertheless, the complexity of the molecular events that take place in dystrophic muscles, together with the rise of a multitude of markers for each of the phases of the process, makes the histological assessment a challenging task. Therefore, here, we summarise and explain the rationale behind different histological techniques used in the literature to assess degeneration and regeneration in the field of dystrophinopathies, focusing especially on those related to DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Dubuisson
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc (CUSL), Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Romain Versele
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Chloé Planchon
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Camille M. Selvais
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurence Noel
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michel Abou-Samra
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - María A. Davis-López de Carrizosa
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain
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6
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Strategies for Bottlenecks of rAAV-Mediated Expression in Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13112021. [DOI: 10.3390/genes13112021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy using the adeno-associated virus (rAAV) to deliver mini/micro- dystrophin is the current promising strategy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). However, the further transformation of this strategy still faces many “bottlenecks”. Most gene therapies are only suitable for infants with strong muscle cell regeneration and immature immune system, and the treatment depends heavily on the high dose of rAAV. However, high-dose rAAV inevitably causes side effects such as immune response and acute liver toxicity. Therefore, how to reduce the degree of fibrosis and excessive immune response in older patients and uncouple the dependence association between therapeutic effect and high dose rAAV are crucial steps for the transformation of rAAV-based gene therapy. The article analyzes the latest research and finds that the application of utrophin, the homologous protein of dystrophin, could avoid the immune response associated with dystrophin, and the exploration of methods to improve the expression level of mini/micro-utrophin in striated muscle, combined with the novel MyoAAV with high efficiency and specific infection of striated muscle, is expected to achieve the same therapeutic efficacy under the condition of reducing the dose of rAAV. Furthermore, the delivery of allogeneic cardio sphere-derived cells (CDCs) with anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic characteristics combined with immune suppression can provide a continuous and appropriate “window period” for gene therapy. This strategy can expand the number of patients who could benefit from gene therapy.
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7
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García-Castañeda M, Michelucci A, Zhao N, Malik S, Dirksen RT. Postdevelopmental knockout of Orai1 improves muscle pathology in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Gen Physiol 2022; 154:213383. [PMID: 35939054 PMCID: PMC9365874 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202213081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an X-linked disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the dystrophin gene, is characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. Enhanced store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), a Ca2+ influx mechanism coordinated by STIM1 sensors of luminal Ca2+ within the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and Ca2+-permeable Orai1 channels in the sarcolemma, is proposed to contribute to Ca2+-mediated muscle damage in DMD. To directly determine the impact of Orai1-dependent SOCE on the dystrophic phenotype, we crossed mdx mice with tamoxifen-inducible, muscle-specific Orai1 knockout mice (mdx-Orai1 KO mice). Both constitutive and SOCE were significantly increased in flexor digitorum brevis fibers from mdx mice, while SOCE was absent in fibers from both Orai1 KO and mdx-Orai1 KO mice. Compared with WT mice, fibers from mdx mice exhibited (1) increased resting myoplasmic Ca2+ levels, (2) reduced total releasable Ca2+ store content, and (3) a prolonged rate of electrically evoked Ca2+ transient decay. These effects were partially normalized in fibers from mdx-Orai1 KO mice. Intact extensor digitorum longus muscles from mdx mice exhibited a significant reduction of maximal specific force, which was rescued in muscles from mdx-Orai1 KO mice. Finally, during exposure to consecutive eccentric contractions, muscles from mdx mice displayed a more pronounced decline in specific force compared with that of WT mice, which was also significantly attenuated by Orai1 ablation. Together, these results indicate that enhanced Orai1-dependent SOCE exacerbates the dystrophic phenotype and that Orai1 deficiency improves muscle pathology by both normalizing Ca2+ homeostasis and promoting sarcolemmal integrity/stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricela García-Castañeda
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
| | - Antonio Michelucci
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY,Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Nan Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
| | - Sundeep Malik
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
| | - Robert T. Dirksen
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
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8
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Mamsa H, Stark RL, Shin KM, Beedle AM, Crosbie RH. Sarcospan increases laminin-binding capacity of α-dystroglycan to ameliorate DMD independent of Galgt2. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:718-732. [PMID: 34581784 PMCID: PMC8895749 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), mutations in dystrophin result in a loss of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) at the myofiber membrane, which functions to connect the extracellular matrix with the intracellular actin cytoskeleton. The dystroglycan subcomplex interacts with dystrophin and spans the sarcolemma where its extensive carbohydrates (matriglycan and CT2 glycan) directly interact with the extracellular matrix. In the current manuscript, we show that sarcospan overexpression enhances the laminin-binding capacity of dystroglycan in DMD muscle by increasing matriglycan glycosylation of α-dystroglycan. Furthermore, we find that this modification is not affected by loss of Galgt2, a glycotransferase, which catalyzes the CT2 glycan. Our findings reveal that the matriglycan carbohydrates, and not the CT2 glycan, are necessary for sarcospan-mediated amelioration of DMD. Overexpression of Galgt2 in the DMD mdx murine model prevents muscle pathology by increasing CT2 modified α-dystroglycan. Galgt2 also increases expression of utrophin, which compensates for the loss of dystrophin in DMD muscle. We found that combined loss of Galgt2 and dystrophin reduced utrophin expression; however, it did not interfere with sarcospan rescue of disease. These data reveal a partial dependence of sarcospan on Galgt2 for utrophin upregulation. In addition, sarcospan alters the cross-talk between the adhesion complexes by decreasing the association of integrin β1D with dystroglycan complexes. In conclusion, sarcospan functions to re-wire the cell to matrix connections by strengthening the cellular adhesion and signaling, which, in turn, increases the resilience of the myofiber membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafsa Mamsa
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, USA
| | - Rachelle L Stark
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, USA
| | - Kara M Shin
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, USA
| | - Aaron M Beedle
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University State University of New York, New York 13902, USA
| | - Rachelle H Crosbie
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, USA
- Broad Stem Cell Institute, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, USA
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, USA
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9
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Manini A, Abati E, Nuredini A, Corti S, Comi GP. Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)-Mediated Gene Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: The Issue of Transgene Persistence. Front Neurol 2022; 12:814174. [PMID: 35095747 PMCID: PMC8797140 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.814174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive, infancy-onset neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, leading to delay of motor milestones, loss of autonomous ambulation, respiratory failure, cardiomyopathy, and premature death. DMD originates from mutations in the DMD gene that result in a complete absence of dystrophin. Dystrophin is a cytoskeletal protein which belongs to the dystrophin-associated protein complex, involved in cellular signaling and myofiber membrane stabilization. To date, the few available therapeutic options are aimed at lessening disease progression, but persistent loss of muscle tissue and function and premature death are unavoidable. In this scenario, one of the most promising therapeutic strategies for DMD is represented by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy. DMD gene therapy relies on the administration of exogenous micro-dystrophin, a miniature version of the dystrophin gene lacking unnecessary domains and encoding a truncated, but functional, dystrophin protein. Limited transgene persistence represents one of the most significant issues that jeopardize the translatability of DMD gene replacement strategies from the bench to the bedside. Here, we critically review preclinical and clinical studies of AAV-mediated gene therapy in DMD, focusing on long-term transgene persistence in transduced tissues, which can deeply affect effectiveness and sustainability of gene replacement in DMD. We also discuss the role played by the overactivation of the immune host system in limiting long-term expression of genetic material. In this perspective, further studies aimed at better elucidating the need for immune suppression in AAV-treated subjects are warranted in order to allow for life-long therapy in DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Manini
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Abati
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andi Nuredini
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Neuroscience Section, Dino Ferrari Center, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Neuroscience Section, Dino Ferrari Center, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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10
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Ohlendieck K, Swandulla D. Complexity of skeletal muscle degeneration: multi-systems pathophysiology and organ crosstalk in dystrophinopathy. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1813-1839. [PMID: 34553265 PMCID: PMC8599371 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02623-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a highly progressive muscle wasting disorder due to primary abnormalities in one of the largest genes in the human genome, the DMD gene, which encodes various tissue-specific isoforms of the protein dystrophin. Although dystrophinopathies are classified as primary neuromuscular disorders, the body-wide abnormalities that are associated with this disorder and the occurrence of organ crosstalk suggest that a multi-systems pathophysiological view should be taken for a better overall understanding of the complex aetiology of X-linked muscular dystrophy. This article reviews the molecular and cellular effects of deficiency in dystrophin isoforms in relation to voluntary striated muscles, the cardio-respiratory system, the kidney, the liver, the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system and the immune system. Based on the establishment of comprehensive biomarker signatures of X-linked muscular dystrophy using large-scale screening of both patient specimens and genetic animal models, this article also discusses the potential usefulness of novel disease markers for more inclusive approaches to differential diagnosis, prognosis and therapy monitoring that also take into account multi-systems aspects of dystrophinopathy. Current therapeutic approaches to combat muscular dystrophy are summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Co. Kildare, Maynooth, W23F2H6, Ireland.
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Maynooth, W23F2H6, Ireland.
| | - Dieter Swandulla
- Institute of Physiology, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
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11
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Soblechero-Martín P, Albiasu-Arteta E, Anton-Martinez A, de la Puente-Ovejero L, Garcia-Jimenez I, González-Iglesias G, Larrañaga-Aiestaran I, López-Martínez A, Poyatos-García J, Ruiz-Del-Yerro E, Gonzalez F, Arechavala-Gomeza V. Duchenne muscular dystrophy cell culture models created by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and their application in drug screening. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18188. [PMID: 34521928 PMCID: PMC8440673 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97730-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene editing methods are an attractive therapeutic option for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and they have an immediate application in the generation of research models. To generate myoblast cultures that could be useful in in vitro drug screening, we have optimised a CRISPR/Cas9 gene edition protocol. We have successfully used it in wild type immortalised myoblasts to delete exon 52 of the dystrophin gene, modelling a common Duchenne muscular dystrophy mutation; and in patient's immortalised cultures we have deleted an inhibitory microRNA target region of the utrophin UTR, leading to utrophin upregulation. We have characterised these cultures by demonstrating, respectively, inhibition of dystrophin expression and overexpression of utrophin, and evaluating the expression of myogenic factors (Myf5 and MyH3) and components of the dystrophin associated glycoprotein complex (α-sarcoglycan and β-dystroglycan). To demonstrate their use in the assessment of DMD treatments, we have performed exon skipping on the DMDΔ52-Model and have used the unedited DMD cultures/ DMD-UTRN-Model combo to assess utrophin overexpression after drug treatment. While the practical use of DMDΔ52-Model is limited to the validation to our gene editing protocol, DMD-UTRN-Model presents a possible therapeutic gene edition target as well as a useful positive control in the screening of utrophin overexpression drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Soblechero-Martín
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain.,Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Bilbao-Basurto Integrated Health Organisation, Basurto University Hospital, Clinical Laboratory Service, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Edurne Albiasu-Arteta
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Aina Anton-Martinez
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Iker Garcia-Jimenez
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Irene Larrañaga-Aiestaran
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Andrea López-Martínez
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Estíbaliz Ruiz-Del-Yerro
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Federico Gonzalez
- Pluripotent Stem Cells and Activation of Endogenous Tissue Programs for Organ Regeneration (PR Lab), Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Virginia Arechavala-Gomeza
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain. .,Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
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12
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Animal models for researching approaches to therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Transgenic Res 2021; 30:709-725. [PMID: 34409525 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-021-00278-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a relatively widespread genetic disease which develops as a result of a mutation in the gene DMD encoding dystrophin. In this review, animal models of DMD are described. These models are used in preclinical studies to elucidate the pathogenesis of the disease or to develop effective treatments; each animal model has its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and zebrafish (sapje) are suitable for large-scale chemical screening of large numbers of small molecules, but their disease phenotype differs from that of mammals. The use of larger animals is important for understanding of the potential efficacy of various treatments for DMD. While mdx mice have their advantages, they exhibit a milder disease phenotype compared to humans or dogs, making it difficult to evaluate the efficacy of new treatment for DMD. The disease in dogs and pigs is more severe and progresses faster than in mice, but it is more difficult to breed and obtain sufficient numbers of specimens in order to achieve statistically significant results. Moreover, working with large animals is also more labor-intensive. Therefore, when choosing the optimal animal model for research, it is worth considering all the goals and objectives.
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13
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Kröger S, Watkins B. Muscle spindle function in healthy and diseased muscle. Skelet Muscle 2021; 11:3. [PMID: 33407830 PMCID: PMC7788844 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-020-00258-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost every muscle contains muscle spindles. These delicate sensory receptors inform the central nervous system (CNS) about changes in the length of individual muscles and the speed of stretching. With this information, the CNS computes the position and movement of our extremities in space, which is a requirement for motor control, for maintaining posture and for a stable gait. Many neuromuscular diseases affect muscle spindle function contributing, among others, to an unstable gait, frequent falls and ataxic behavior in the affected patients. Nevertheless, muscle spindles are usually ignored during examination and analysis of muscle function and when designing therapeutic strategies for neuromuscular diseases. This review summarizes the development and function of muscle spindles and the changes observed under pathological conditions, in particular in the various forms of muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Kröger
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Bridgette Watkins
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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14
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PMO-based let-7c site blocking oligonucleotide (SBO) mediated utrophin upregulation in mdx mice, a therapeutic approach for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Sci Rep 2020; 10:21492. [PMID: 33298994 PMCID: PMC7726560 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76338-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Upregulation of utrophin, a dystrophin related protein, is considered a promising therapeutic approach for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Utrophin expression is repressed at the post-transcriptional level by a set of miRNAs, among which let-7c is evolutionarily highly conserved. We designed PMO-based SBOs complementary to the let-7c binding site in UTRN 3′UTR, with the goal of inhibiting let-7c interaction with UTRN mRNA and thus upregulating utrophin. We used the C2C12UTRN5′luc3′ reporter cell line in which the 5′- and 3′-UTRs of human UTRN sequences flank luciferase, for reporter assays and the C2C12 cell line for utrophin western blots, to independently evaluate the site blocking efficiency of a series of let-7c PMOs in vitro. Treatment of one-month old mdx mice with the most effective let-7c PMO (i.e. S56) resulted in ca. two-fold higher utrophin protein expression in skeletal muscles and the improvement in dystrophic pathophysiology in mdx mice, in vivo. In summary, we show that PMO-based let-7c SBO has potential applicability for upregulating utrophin expression as a therapeutic approach for DMD.
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15
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Péladeau C, Jasmin BJ. Targeting IRES-dependent translation as a novel approach for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy. RNA Biol 2020; 18:1238-1251. [PMID: 33164678 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1847894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Internal-ribosomal entry sites (IRES) are translational elements that allow the initiation machinery to start protein synthesis via internal initiation. IRESs promote tissue-specific translation in stress conditions when conventional cap-dependent translation is inhibited. Since many IRES-containing mRNAs are relevant to diseases, this cellular mechanism is emerging as an attractive therapeutic target for pharmacological and genetic modulations. Indeed, there has been growing interest over the past years in determining the therapeutic potential of IRESs for several disease conditions such as cancer, neurodegeneration and neuromuscular diseases including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). IRESs relevant for DMD have been identified in several transcripts whose protein product results in functional improvements in dystrophic muscles. Together, these converging lines of evidence indicate that activation of IRES-mediated translation of relevant transcripts in DMD muscle represents a novel and appropriate therapeutic strategy for DMD that warrants further investigation, particularly to identify agents that can modulate their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Péladeau
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and the Eric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernard J Jasmin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and the Eric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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16
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"Betwixt Mine Eye and Heart a League Is Took": The Progress of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell-Based Models of Dystrophin-Associated Cardiomyopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21196997. [PMID: 32977524 PMCID: PMC7582534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21196997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ultimate goal of precision disease modeling is to artificially recreate the disease of affected people in a highly controllable and adaptable external environment. This field has rapidly advanced which is evident from the application of patient-specific pluripotent stem-cell-derived precision therapies in numerous clinical trials aimed at a diverse set of diseases such as macular degeneration, heart disease, spinal cord injury, graft-versus-host disease, and muscular dystrophy. Despite the existence of semi-adequate treatments for tempering skeletal muscle degeneration in dystrophic patients, nonischemic cardiomyopathy remains one of the primary causes of death. Therefore, cardiovascular cells derived from muscular dystrophy patients' induced pluripotent stem cells are well suited to mimic dystrophin-associated cardiomyopathy and hold great promise for the development of future fully effective therapies. The purpose of this article is to convey the realities of employing precision disease models of dystrophin-associated cardiomyopathy. This is achieved by discussing, as suggested in the title echoing William Shakespeare's words, the settlements (or "leagues") made by researchers to manage the constraints ("betwixt mine eye and heart") distancing them from achieving a perfect precision disease model.
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17
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Sengupta K, Mishra MK, Loro E, Spencer MJ, Pyle AD, Khurana TS. Genome Editing-Mediated Utrophin Upregulation in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Stem Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 22:500-509. [PMID: 33230452 PMCID: PMC7554652 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Utrophin upregulation is considered a promising therapeutic strategy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). A number of microRNAs (miRNAs) post-transcriptionally regulate utrophin expression by binding their cognate sites in the 3′ UTR. Previously we have shown that miRNA: UTRN repression can be alleviated using miRNA let-7c site blocking oligonucleotides (SBOs) to achieve utrophin upregulation and functional improvement in mdx mice. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing to delete five miRNA binding sites (miR-150, miR-296-5p, miR-133b, let-7c, miR-196b) clustered in a 500 bp inhibitory miRNA target region (IMTR) within the UTRN 3′ UTR, for achieving higher expression of endogenous utrophin. Deleting the UTRN IMTR in DMD patient-derived human induced pluripotent stem cells (DMD-hiPSCs) resulted in ca. 2-fold higher levels of utrophin protein. Differentiation of the UTRN edited DMD-hiPSCs (UTRNΔIMTR) by MyoD overexpression resulted in increased sarcolemmal α-sarcoglycan staining consistent with improved dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC) restoration. These results demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9-based UTRN genome editing offers a novel utrophin upregulation therapeutic strategy applicable to all DMD patients, irrespective of the dystrophin mutation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasturi Sengupta
- Department of Physiology and Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Manoj K Mishra
- Department of Physiology and Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Emanuele Loro
- Department of Physiology and Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Melissa J Spencer
- Molecular Biology Institute, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - April D Pyle
- Molecular Biology Institute, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Tejvir S Khurana
- Department of Physiology and Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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18
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Datta N, Ghosh PS. Update on Muscular Dystrophies with Focus on Novel Treatments and Biomarkers. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2020; 20:14. [DOI: 10.1007/s11910-020-01034-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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19
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Salmaninejad A, Jafari Abarghan Y, Bozorg Qomi S, Bayat H, Yousefi M, Azhdari S, Talebi S, Mojarrad M. Common therapeutic advances for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Int J Neurosci 2020; 131:370-389. [DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2020.1740218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arash Salmaninejad
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Yousef Jafari Abarghan
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Saeed Bozorg Qomi
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hadi Bayat
- Medical Nano-Technology & Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meysam Yousefi
- Department of Medical Genetics Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sara Azhdari
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
| | - Samaneh Talebi
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Mojarrad
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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20
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The role of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex on the neuromuscular system. Neurosci Lett 2020; 722:134833. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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21
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Gerwin L, Rossmanith S, Haupt C, Schultheiß J, Brinkmeier H, Bittner RE, Kröger S. Impaired muscle spindle function in murine models of muscular dystrophy. J Physiol 2020; 598:1591-1609. [PMID: 32003874 DOI: 10.1113/jp278563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Muscular dystrophy patients suffer from progressive degeneration of skeletal muscle fibres, sudden spontaneous falls, balance problems, as well as gait and posture abnormalities. Dystrophin- and dysferlin-deficient mice, models for different types of muscular dystrophy with different aetiology and molecular basis, were characterized to investigate if muscle spindle structure and function are impaired. The number and morphology of muscle spindles were unaltered in both dystrophic mouse lines but muscle spindle resting discharge and their responses to stretch were altered. In dystrophin-deficient muscle spindles, the expression of the paralogue utrophin was substantially upregulated, potentially compensating for the dystrophin deficiency. The results suggest that muscle spindles might contribute to the motor problems observed in patients with muscular dystrophy. ABSTRACT Muscular dystrophies comprise a heterogeneous group of hereditary diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of extrafusal muscle fibres as well as unstable gait and frequent falls. To investigate if muscle spindle function is impaired, we analysed their number, morphology and function in wildtype mice and in murine model systems for two distinct types of muscular dystrophy with very different disease aetiology, i.e. dystrophin- and dysferlin-deficient mice. The total number and the overall structure of muscle spindles in soleus muscles of both dystrophic mouse mutants appeared unchanged. Immunohistochemical analyses of wildtype muscle spindles revealed a concentration of dystrophin and β-dystroglycan in intrafusal fibres outside the region of contact with the sensory neuron. While utrophin was absent from the central part of intrafusal fibres of wildtype mice, it was substantially upregulated in dystrophin-deficient mice. Single-unit extracellular recordings of sensory afferents from muscle spindles of the extensor digitorum longus muscle revealed that muscle spindles from both dystrophic mouse strains have an increased resting discharge and a higher action potential firing rate during sinusoidal vibrations, particularly at low frequencies. The response to ramp-and-hold stretches appeared unaltered compared to the respective wildtype mice. We observed no exacerbated functional changes in dystrophin and dysferlin double mutant mice compared to the single mutant animals. These results show alterations in muscle spindle afferent responses in both dystrophic mouse lines, which might cause an increased muscle tone, and might contribute to the unstable gait and frequent falls observed in patients with muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gerwin
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Großhaderner Str. 9, D-82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.,Institute for Stem Cell Research, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Centre Munich, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sarah Rossmanith
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Großhaderner Str. 9, D-82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Corinna Haupt
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Großhaderner Str. 9, D-82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jürgen Schultheiß
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Großhaderner Str. 9, D-82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Heinrich Brinkmeier
- Institute for Pathophysiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Martin-Luther-Str. 6, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Reginald E Bittner
- Neuromuscular Research Department, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Kröger
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Großhaderner Str. 9, D-82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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22
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Non-immunogenic utrophin gene therapy for the treatment of muscular dystrophy animal models. Nat Med 2019; 25:1505-1511. [PMID: 31591596 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-019-0594-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The essential product of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene is dystrophin1, a rod-like protein2 that protects striated myocytes from contraction-induced injury3,4. Dystrophin-related protein (or utrophin) retains most of the structural and protein binding elements of dystrophin5. Importantly, normal thymic expression in DMD patients6 should protect utrophin by central immunologic tolerance. We designed a codon-optimized, synthetic transgene encoding a miniaturized utrophin (µUtro), deliverable by adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. Here, we show that µUtro is a highly functional, non-immunogenic substitute for dystrophin, preventing the most deleterious histological and physiological aspects of muscular dystrophy in small and large animal models. Following systemic administration of an AAV-µUtro to neonatal dystrophin-deficient mdx mice, histological and biochemical markers of myonecrosis and regeneration are completely suppressed throughout growth to adult weight. In the dystrophin-deficient golden retriever model, µUtro non-toxically prevented myonecrosis, even in the most powerful muscles. In a stringent test of immunogenicity, focal expression of µUtro in the deletional-null German shorthaired pointer model produced no evidence of cell-mediated immunity, in contrast to the robust T cell response against similarly constructed µDystrophin (µDystro). These findings support a model in which utrophin-derived therapies might be used to treat clinical dystrophin deficiency, with a favorable immunologic profile and preserved function in the face of extreme miniaturization.
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23
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Barthélémy F, Wang RT, Hsu C, Douine ED, Marcantonio EE, Nelson SF, Miceli MC. Targeting RyR Activity Boosts Antisense Exon 44 and 45 Skipping in Human DMD Skeletal or Cardiac Muscle Culture Models. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:580-589. [PMID: 31678734 PMCID: PMC6838898 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Systemic delivery of antisense oligonucleotides (AO) for DMD exon skipping has proven effective for reframing DMD mRNA, rescuing dystrophin expression, and slowing disease progression in animal models. In humans with Duchenne muscular dystrophy treated with AOs, low levels of dystrophin have been induced, and modest slowing of disease progression has been observed, highlighting the need for improved efficiency of human skipping drugs. Here, we demonstrate that dantrolene and Rycals S107 and ARM210 potentiate AO-mediated exon skipping of exon 44 or exon 45 in patient-derived myotube cultures with appropriate mutations. Further, dantrolene is shown to boost AO-mediated exon skipping in patient-derived, induced cardiomyocyte cultures. Our findings further validate the ryanodine receptors (RyR) as the likely target responsible for exon skip boosting and demonstrate potential applicability beyond exon 51 skipping. These data provide preclinical support of dantrolene trial as an adjuvant to AO-mediated exon-skipping therapy in humans and identify a novel Rycal, ARM210, for development as a potential exon-skipping booster. Further, they highlight the value of mutation-specific DMD culture models for basic discovery, preclinical drug screening and translation of personalized genetic medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Barthélémy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, and College of Letters and Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Richard T Wang
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher Hsu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, and College of Letters and Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emilie D Douine
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Stanley F Nelson
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Eli & Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - M Carrie Miceli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, and College of Letters and Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Eli & Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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24
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Guiraud S, Edwards B, Babbs A, Squire SE, Berg A, Moir L, Wood MJ, Davies KE. The potential of utrophin and dystrophin combination therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:2189-2200. [PMID: 30990876 PMCID: PMC6586144 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal neuromuscular disorder caused by loss of dystrophin. Several therapeutic modalities are currently in clinical trials but none will achieve maximum functional rescue and full disease correction. Therefore, we explored the potential of combining the benefits of dystrophin with increases of utrophin, an autosomal paralogue of dystrophin. Utrophin and dystrophin can be co-expressed and co-localized at the same muscle membrane. Wild-type (wt) levels of dystrophin are not significantly affected by a moderate increase of utrophin whereas higher levels of utrophin reduce wt dystrophin, suggesting a finite number of actin binding sites at the sarcolemma. Thus, utrophin upregulation strategies may be applied to the more mildly affected Becker patients with lower dystrophin levels. Whereas increased dystrophin in wt animals does not offer functional improvement, overexpression of utrophin in wt mice results in a significant supra-functional benefit over wt. These findings highlight an additive benefit of the combined therapy and potential new unique roles of utrophin. Finally, we show a 30% restoration of wt dystrophin levels, using exon-skipping, together with increased utrophin levels restores dystrophic muscle function to wt levels offering greater therapeutic benefit than either single approach alone. Thus, this combination therapy results in additive functional benefit and paves the way for potential future combinations of dystrophin- and utrophin-based strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Guiraud
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
| | - Benjamin Edwards
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
| | - Arran Babbs
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah E Squire
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
| | - Adam Berg
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
| | - Lee Moir
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew J Wood
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
| | - Kay E Davies
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
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25
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Guiraud S, Edwards B, Squire SE, Moir L, Berg A, Babbs A, Ramadan N, Wood MJ, Davies KE. Embryonic myosin is a regeneration marker to monitor utrophin-based therapies for DMD. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:307-319. [PMID: 30304405 PMCID: PMC6322073 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal, X-linked muscle-wasting disease caused by lack of the cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. Constitutive utrophin expression, a structural and functional paralogue of dystrophin, can successfully prevent the dystrophic pathology in the dystrophin-deficient mdx mouse model. In dystrophic muscles, utrophin is increased as part of the repair process and localized at the sarcolemma of regenerating myofibers. The presence of developmental myosin such as embryonic myosin (MyHC-emb) and neonatal represents a useful marker of muscle regeneration and a meaningful indicator of muscle damage, which correlates with the clinical severity of milder Becker muscular dystrophy and DMD patients. In the present study, we demonstrate that MyHC-emb is a robust marker of regeneration at different ages and in different skeletal muscles. We also evaluate the correlation between utrophin, dystrophin and MyHC-emb in wild-type (wt) and regenerating dystrophic muscles. Restoration of dystrophin significantly reduced MyHC-emb levels. Similarly, overexpression of utrophin in the transgenic mdx-Fiona mice reduced the number of MyHC-emb positive fibers to wt level, prevented the regenerative process and rescued the muscle function. In contrast, the absence of utrophin in the dystrophin-deficient double-knockout mice resulted in a higher MyHC-emb content and in a more severe dystrophic pathophysiology than in mdx mice. These data illustrate the importance of monitoring utrophin and MyHC-emb levels in the preclinical evaluation of therapies and provide translational support for the use of developmental myosin as a disease biomarker in DMD clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Guiraud
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Edwards
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Squire
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Lee Moir
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Berg
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Arran Babbs
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Nesrine Ramadan
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Kay E Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
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Bhat SS, Ali R, Khanday FA. Syntrophins entangled in cytoskeletal meshwork: Helping to hold it all together. Cell Prolif 2018; 52:e12562. [PMID: 30515904 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Syntrophins are a family of 59 kDa peripheral membrane-associated adapter proteins, containing multiple protein-protein and protein-lipid interaction domains. The syntrophin family consists of five isoforms that exhibit specific tissue distribution, distinct sub-cellular localization and unique expression patterns implying their diverse functional roles. These syntrophin isoforms form multiple functional protein complexes and ensure proper localization of signalling proteins and their binding partners to specific membrane domains and provide appropriate spatiotemporal regulation of signalling pathways. Syntrophins consist of two PH domains, a PDZ domain and a conserved SU domain. The PH1 domain is split by the PDZ domain. The PH2 and the SU domain are involved in the interaction between syntrophin and the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC). Syntrophins recruit various signalling proteins to DGC and link extracellular matrix to internal signalling apparatus via DGC. The different domains of the syntrophin isoforms are responsible for modulation of cytoskeleton. Syntrophins associate with cytoskeletal proteins and lead to various cellular responses by modulating the cytoskeleton. Syntrophins are involved in many physiological processes which involve cytoskeletal reorganization like insulin secretion, blood pressure regulation, myogenesis, cell migration, formation and retraction of focal adhesions. Syntrophins have been implicated in various pathologies like Alzheimer's disease, muscular dystrophy, cancer. Their role in cytoskeletal organization and modulation makes them perfect candidates for further studies in various cancers and other ailments that involve cytoskeletal modulation. The role of syntrophins in cytoskeletal organization and modulation has not yet been comprehensively reviewed till now. This review focuses on syntrophins and highlights their role in cytoskeletal organization, modulation and dynamics via its involvement in different cell signalling networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar S Bhat
- Division of Biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Roshia Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
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Kennedy TL, Guiraud S, Edwards B, Squire S, Moir L, Babbs A, Odom G, Golebiowski D, Schneider J, Chamberlain JS, Davies KE. Micro-utrophin Improves Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Function of Severely Affected D2/ mdx Mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 11:92-105. [PMID: 30417024 PMCID: PMC6216100 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked muscle-wasting disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. DMD boys are wheelchair-bound around 12 years and generally survive into their twenties. There is currently no effective treatment except palliative care, although personalized treatments such as exon skipping, stop codon read-through, and viral-based gene therapies are making progress. Patients present with skeletal muscle pathology, but most also show cardiomyopathy by the age of 10. A systemic therapeutic approach is needed that treats the heart and skeletal muscle defects in all patients. The dystrophin-related protein utrophin has been shown to compensate for the lack of dystrophin in the mildly affected BL10/mdx mouse. The purpose of this investigation was to demonstrate that AAV9-mediated micro-utrophin transgene delivery can not only functionally replace dystrophin in the heart, but also attenuate the skeletal muscle phenotype in severely affected D2/mdx mice. The data presented here show that utrophin can indeed alleviate the pathology in skeletal and cardiac muscle in D2/mdx mice. These results endorse the view that utrophin modulation has the potential to increase the quality life of all DMD patients whatever their mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahnee L Kennedy
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre at the University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Simon Guiraud
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre at the University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Ben Edwards
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre at the University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Sarah Squire
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre at the University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Lee Moir
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre at the University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Arran Babbs
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre at the University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Guy Odom
- Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Jeffrey S Chamberlain
- Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kay E Davies
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre at the University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
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Leigh F, Ferlini A, Biggar D, Bushby K, Finkel R, Morgenroth LP, Wagner KR. Neurology Care, Diagnostics, and Emerging Therapies of the Patient With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Pediatrics 2018; 142:S5-S16. [PMID: 30275245 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-0333c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common form of childhood muscular dystrophy. A mutation in the DMD gene disrupts dystrophin (protein) production, causing damage to muscle integrity, weakness, loss of ambulation, and cardiopulmonary compromise by the second decade of life. Life expectancy has improved from mid-teenage years to mid-20s with the use of glucocorticoids and beyond the third decade with ventilator support and multidisciplinary care. However, Duchenne muscular dystrophy is associated with comorbidities and is a fatal disease. Glucocorticoids prolong ambulation, but their side effects are significant. Emerging investigational therapies have surfaced over the past decade and have rapidly been tested in clinical trials. Gene-specific strategies include nonsense readthrough, exon skipping, gene editing, utrophin modulation, and gene replacement. Other mechanisms include muscle regeneration, antioxidants, and antifibrosis and anti-inflammatory pathways. With potential therapies emerging, early diagnosis is needed to initiate treatment early enough to minimize morbidity and mortality. Newborn screening can be used to significantly improve early diagnosis, especially for gene-specific therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawn Leigh
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts; .,Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Doug Biggar
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katharine Bushby
- John Walton Centre for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Kathryn R Wagner
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland; and.,School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Personalized gene and cell therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Neuromuscul Disord 2018; 28:803-824. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive X-linked degenerative muscle disease due to mutations in the DMD gene. Genetic confirmation has become standard in recent years. Improvements in the standard of care for DMD have led to improved survival. Novel treatments for DMD have focused on reducing the dystrophic mechanism of the muscle disease, modulating utrophin protein expression, and restoring dystrophin protein expression. Among the strategies to reduce the dystrophic mechanisms are 1) inhibiting inflammation, 2) promoting muscle growth and regeneration, 3) reducing fibrosis, and 4) facilitating mitochondrial function. The agents under investigation include a novel steroid, myostatin inhibitors, idebenone, an anti-CTGF antibody, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, and cardiosphere-derived cells. For utrophin modulation, AAV-mediated gene therapy with GALGT2 is currently being investigated to upregulate utrophin expression. Finally, the strategies for dystrophin protein restoration include 1) nonsense readthrough, 2) synthetic antisense oligonucleotides for exon skipping, and 3) AAV-mediated micro/minidystrophin gene delivery. With newer agents, we are witnessing the use of more advanced biotechnological methods. Although these potential breakthroughs provide significant promise, they may also raise new questions regarding treatment effect and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perry B Shieh
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, 300 Medical Plaza, Suite B-200, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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31
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Guiraud S, Roblin D, Kay DE. The potential of utrophin modulators for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2018.1438261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Guiraud
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Davies. E. Kay
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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32
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Kennedy TL, Moir L, Hemming S, Edwards B, Squire S, Davies K, Guiraud S. Utrophin influences mitochondrial pathology and oxidative stress in dystrophic muscle. Skelet Muscle 2017; 7:22. [PMID: 29065908 PMCID: PMC5655821 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-017-0139-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal X-linked muscle wasting disorder caused by the absence of dystrophin, a large cytoskeletal muscle protein. Increasing the levels of the dystrophin-related-protein utrophin is a highly promising therapy for DMD and has been shown to improve pathology in dystrophin-deficient mice. One contributing factor to muscle wasting in DMD is mitochondrial pathology that contributes to oxidative stress and propagates muscle damage. The purpose of this study was to assess whether utrophin could attenuate mitochondria pathology and oxidative stress. Methods Skeletal muscles from wildtype C57BL/10, dystrophin-deficient mdx, dystrophin/utrophin double knockout (dko) and dystrophin-deficient mdx/utrophin over-expressing mdx-Fiona transgenic mice were assessed for markers of mitochondrial damage. Results Using transmission electron microscopy, we show that high levels of utrophin ameliorate the aberrant structure and localisation of mitochondria in mdx mice whereas absence of utrophin worsened these features in dko mice. Elevated utrophin also reverts markers of protein oxidation and oxidative stress, elevated in mdx and dko mice, to wildtype levels. These changes were observed independently of a shift in oxidative phenotype. Conclusion These findings show that utrophin levels influence mitochondrial pathology and oxidative stress. While utrophin deficiency worsens the pathology, utrophin over-expression in dystrophic muscle benefits mitochondria and attenuates the downstream pathology associated with aberrant mitochondrial function. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13395-017-0139-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahnee L Kennedy
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Lee Moir
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Sarah Hemming
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Ben Edwards
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Sarah Squire
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Kay Davies
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK.
| | - Simon Guiraud
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
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33
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Mishra MK, Loro E, Sengupta K, Wilton SD, Khurana TS. Functional improvement of dystrophic muscle by repression of utrophin: let-7c interaction. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182676. [PMID: 29045431 PMCID: PMC5646768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal genetic disease caused by an absence of the 427kD muscle-specific dystrophin isoform. Utrophin is the autosomal homolog of dystrophin and when overexpressed, can compensate for the absence of dystrophin and rescue the dystrophic phenotype of the mdx mouse model of DMD. Utrophin is subject to miRNA mediated repression by several miRNAs including let-7c. Inhibition of utrophin: let-7c interaction is predicted to 'repress the repression' and increase utrophin expression. We developed and tested the ability of an oligonucleotide, composed of 2'-O-methyl modified bases on a phosphorothioate backbone, to anneal to the utrophin 3'UTR and prevent let-7c miRNA binding, thereby upregulating utrophin expression and improving the dystrophic phenotype in vivo. Suppression of utrophin: let-7c interaction using bi-weekly intraperitoneal injections of let7 site blocking oligonucleotides (SBOs) for 1 month in the mdx mouse model for DMD, led to increased utrophin expression along with improved muscle histology, decreased fibrosis and increased specific force. The functional improvement of dystrophic muscle achieved using let7-SBOs suggests a novel utrophin upregulation-based therapeutic strategy for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj K. Mishra
- Department of Physiology and Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Emanuele Loro
- Department of Physiology and Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kasturi Sengupta
- Department of Physiology and Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Steve D. Wilton
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Tejvir S. Khurana
- Department of Physiology and Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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34
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Wilson K, Faelan C, Patterson-Kane JC, Rudmann DG, Moore SA, Frank D, Charleston J, Tinsley J, Young GD, Milici AJ. Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophies: A Review of Animal Models, Clinical End Points, and Biomarker Quantification. Toxicol Pathol 2017; 45:961-976. [PMID: 28974147 DOI: 10.1177/0192623317734823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are neuromuscular disorders that primarily affect boys due to an X-linked mutation in the DMD gene, resulting in reduced to near absence of dystrophin or expression of truncated forms of dystrophin. Some newer therapeutic interventions aim to increase sarcolemmal dystrophin expression, and accurate dystrophin quantification is critical for demonstrating pharmacodynamic relationships in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Current challenges with measuring dystrophin include the variation in protein expression within individual muscle fibers and across whole muscle samples, the presence of preexisting dystrophin-positive revertant fibers, and trace amounts of residual dystrophin. Immunofluorescence quantification of dystrophin can overcome many of these challenges, but manual quantification of protein expression may be complicated by variations in the collection of images, reproducible scoring of fluorescent intensity, and bias introduced by manual scoring of typically only a few high-power fields. This review highlights the pathology of DMD and BMD, discusses animal models of DMD and BMD, and describes dystrophin biomarker quantitation in DMD and BMD, with several image analysis approaches, including a new automated method that evaluates protein expression of individual muscle fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Wilson
- 1 Flagship Biosciences, Inc., Westminster, Colorado, USA
| | - Crystal Faelan
- 1 Flagship Biosciences, Inc., Westminster, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | - Steven A Moore
- 2 Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Diane Frank
- 3 Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jay Charleston
- 3 Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jon Tinsley
- 4 Summit Therapeutics, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - G David Young
- 1 Flagship Biosciences, Inc., Westminster, Colorado, USA
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35
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Van Ry PM, Fontelonga TM, Barraza-Flores P, Sarathy A, Nunes AM, Burkin DJ. ECM-Related Myopathies and Muscular Dystrophies: Pros and Cons of Protein Therapies. Compr Physiol 2017; 7:1519-1536. [PMID: 28915335 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c150033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) myopathies and muscular dystrophies are a group of genetic diseases caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins that provide critical links between muscle cells and the extracellular matrix. These include structural proteins of the ECM, muscle cell receptors, enzymes, and intracellular proteins. Loss of adhesion within the myomatrix results in progressive muscle weakness. For many ECM muscular dystrophies, symptoms can occur any time after birth and often result in reduced life expectancy. There are no cures for the ECM-related muscular dystrophies and treatment options are limited to palliative care. Several therapeutic approaches have been explored to treat muscular dystrophies including gene therapy, gene editing, exon skipping, embryonic, and adult stem cell therapy, targeting genetic modifiers, modulating inflammatory responses, or preventing muscle degeneration. Recently, protein therapies that replace components of the defective myomatrix or enhance muscle and/or extracellular matrix integrity and function have been explored. Preclinical studies for many of these biologics have been promising in animal models of these muscle diseases. This review aims to summarize the ECM muscular dystrophies for which protein therapies are being developed and discuss the exciting potential and possible limitations of this approach for treating this family of devastating genetic muscle diseases. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 7:1519-1536, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pam M Van Ry
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Tatiana M Fontelonga
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Pamela Barraza-Flores
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Apurva Sarathy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Andreia M Nunes
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA.,Departamento de Biologia Animal, Centro de Ecologia, Evolucao e Alteracoes Ambientais, Faculdade de Ciencias, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dean J Burkin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
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36
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Utrophin Compensates dystrophin Loss during Mouse Spermatogenesis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7372. [PMID: 28785010 PMCID: PMC5547154 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05993-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked genetic disorder resulting from mutations in the dystrophin gene. The mdx/utrn−/− mouse, lacking in both dystrophin and its autosomal homologue utrophin, is commonly used to model the clinical symptoms of DMD. Interestingly, these mice are infertile but the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. Using dystrophin deficient mdx mouse and utrophin haplodeficient mdx/utrn+/− mouse models, we demonstrate the contribution of Dp427 (full-length dystrophin) and utrophin to testis and epididymis development, as well as spermatogenesis. We show that Dp427 deficiency disturbed the balance between proliferation and apoptosis of germ cells during spermatogenesis, which was further disrupted with utrophin haplodeficiency, deciphering a compensatory role of utrophin for dystrophin in the male reproductive system. In the spermatozoa, we have found a compensatory response of utrophin to dystrophin deficiency - namely the upregulation and relocation of utrophin to the flagellar midpiece. This study demonstrates the contribution of Dp427 and utrophin in male fertility, suggesting a potential pathology in DMD patients.
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37
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Bhat HF, Mir SS, Dar KB, Bhat ZF, Shah RA, Ganai NA. ABC of multifaceted dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC). J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:5142-5159. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hina F. Bhat
- Division of BiotechnologySher‐e‐Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir SKUAST‐KShuhama, SrinagarJammu and KashmirIndia
| | - Saima S. Mir
- Department of BiotechnologyUniversity of KashmirHazratbal, SrinagarJammu and KashmirIndia
| | - Khalid B. Dar
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of KashmirHazratbal, SrinagarJammu and KashmirIndia
| | - Zuhaib F. Bhat
- Division of Livestock Products and TechnologySher‐e‐Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST‐J), R.S. PoraJammuJammu and KashmirIndia
| | - Riaz A. Shah
- Division of BiotechnologySher‐e‐Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir SKUAST‐KShuhama, SrinagarJammu and KashmirIndia
| | - Nazir A. Ganai
- Division of BiotechnologySher‐e‐Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir SKUAST‐KShuhama, SrinagarJammu and KashmirIndia
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38
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Gibbs EM, Marshall JL, Ma E, Nguyen TM, Hong G, Lam JS, Spencer MJ, Crosbie-Watson RH. High levels of sarcospan are well tolerated and act as a sarcolemmal stabilizer to address skeletal muscle and pulmonary dysfunction in DMD. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 25:5395-5406. [PMID: 27798107 PMCID: PMC5418831 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness, ultimately leading to early mortality in affected teenagers and young adults. Previous work from our lab has shown that a small transmembrane protein called sarcospan (SSPN) can enhance the recruitment of adhesion complex proteins to the cell surface. When human SSPN is expressed at three-fold levels in mdx mice, this increase in adhesion complex abundance improves muscle membrane stability, preventing many of the histopathological changes associated with DMD. However, expressing higher levels of human SSPN (ten-fold transgenic expression) causes a severe degenerative muscle phenotype in wild-type mice. Since SSPN-mediated stabilization of the sarcolemma represents a promising therapeutic strategy in DMD, it is important to determine whether SSPN can be introduced at high levels without toxicity. Here, we show that mouse SSPN (mSSPN) can be overexpressed at 30-fold levels in wild-type mice with no deleterious effects. In mdx mice, mSSPN overexpression improves dystrophic pathology and sarcolemmal stability. We show that these mice exhibit increased resistance to eccentric contraction-induced damage and reduced fatigue following exercise. mSSPN overexpression improved pulmonary function and reduced dystrophic histopathology in the diaphragm. Together, these results demonstrate that SSPN overexpression is well tolerated in mdx mice and improves sarcolemma defects that underlie skeletal muscle and pulmonary dysfunction in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Gibbs
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology.,Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
| | - Jamie L Marshall
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology.,Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
| | - Eva Ma
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology.,Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
| | - Thien M Nguyen
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology.,Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
| | - Grace Hong
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology.,Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
| | - Jessica S Lam
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology.,Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
| | - Melissa J Spencer
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.,Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles CA 90095, USA
| | - Rachelle H Crosbie-Watson
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology.,Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.,Department of Neurology David Geffen School of Medicine.,Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles CA 90095, USA
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39
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Johnstone VPA, Viola HM, Hool LC. Dystrophic Cardiomyopathy-Potential Role of Calcium in Pathogenesis, Treatment and Novel Therapies. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8040108. [PMID: 28338606 PMCID: PMC5406855 DOI: 10.3390/genes8040108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by defects in the DMD gene and results in progressive wasting of skeletal and cardiac muscle due to an absence of functional dystrophin. Cardiomyopathy is prominent in DMD patients, and contributes significantly to mortality. This is particularly true following respiratory interventions that reduce death rate and increase ambulation and consequently cardiac load. Cardiomyopathy shows an increasing prevalence with age and disease progression, and over 95% of patients exhibit dilated cardiomyopathy by the time they reach adulthood. Development of the myopathy is complex, and elevations in intracellular calcium, functional muscle ischemia, and mitochondrial dysfunction characterise the pathophysiology. Current therapies are limited to treating symptoms of the disease and there is therefore an urgent need to treat the underlying genetic defect. Several novel therapies are outlined here, and the unprecedented success of phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) in preclinical and clinical studies is overviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria P A Johnstone
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Helena M Viola
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Livia C Hool
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
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Guiraud S, Edwards B, Squire SE, Babbs A, Shah N, Berg A, Chen H, Davies KE. Identification of serum protein biomarkers for utrophin based DMD therapy. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43697. [PMID: 28252048 PMCID: PMC5333102 DOI: 10.1038/srep43697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite promising therapeutic avenues, there is currently no effective treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a lethal monogenic disorder caused by the loss of the large cytoskeletal protein, dystrophin. A highly promising approach to therapy, applicable to all DMD patients irrespective to their genetic defect, is to modulate utrophin, a functional paralogue of dystrophin, able to compensate for the primary defects of DMD restoring sarcolemmal stability. One of the major difficulties in assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies is to define appropriate outcome measures. In the present study, we utilised an aptamer based proteomics approach to profile 1,310 proteins in plasma of wild-type, mdx and Fiona (mdx overexpressing utrophin) mice. Comparison of the C57 and mdx sera revealed 83 proteins with statistically significant >2 fold changes in dystrophic serum abundance. A large majority of previously described biomarkers (ANP32B, THBS4, CAMK2A/B/D, CYCS, CAPNI) were normalised towards wild-type levels in Fiona animals. This work also identified potential mdx markers specific to increased utrophin (DUS3, TPI1) and highlights novel mdx biomarkers (GITR, MYBPC1, HSP60, SIRT2, SMAD3, CNTN1). We define a panel of putative protein mdx biomarkers to evaluate utrophin based strategies which may help to accelerate their translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Guiraud
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit at the University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Edwards
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit at the University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Squire
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit at the University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Arran Babbs
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit at the University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Nandini Shah
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit at the University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Berg
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit at the University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Huijia Chen
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit at the University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Kay E Davies
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit at the University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
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41
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Juretić N, Díaz J, Romero F, González G, Jaimovich E, Riveros N. Interleukin-6 and neuregulin-1 as regulators of utrophin expression via the activation of NRG-1/ErbB signaling pathway in mdx cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:770-780. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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42
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Delalande O, Czogalla A, Hubert JF, Sikorski A, Le Rumeur E. Dystrophin and Spectrin, Two Highly Dissimilar Sisters of the Same Family. Subcell Biochem 2017; 82:373-403. [PMID: 28101868 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-49674-0_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dystrophin and Spectrin are two proteins essential for the organization of the cytoskeleton and for the stabilization of membrane cells. The comparison of these two sister proteins, and with the dystrophin homologue utrophin, enables us to emphasise that, despite a similar topology with common subdomains and a common structural basis of a three-helix coiled-coil, they show a large range of dissimilarities in terms of genetics, cell expression and higher level structural organisation. Interactions with cellular partners, including proteins and membrane phospholipids, also show both strikingly similar and very different behaviours. The differences between dystrophin and spectrin are also illustrated by the large variety of pathological anomalies emerging from the dysfunction or the absence of these proteins, showing that they are keystones in their function of providing a scaffold that sustains cell structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Delalande
- Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes, UMR CNRS 6290, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
| | - Aleksander Czogalla
- Biotechnology Faculty, Department of Cytobiochemistry, University of Wrocław, ul. joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jean-François Hubert
- Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes, UMR CNRS 6290, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Aleksander Sikorski
- Biotechnology Faculty, Department of Cytobiochemistry, University of Wrocław, ul. joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Elisabeth Le Rumeur
- Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes, UMR CNRS 6290, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
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43
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Sekulic-Jablanovic M, Ullrich ND, Goldblum D, Palmowski-Wolfe A, Zorzato F, Treves S. Functional characterization of orbicularis oculi and extraocular muscles. J Gen Physiol 2016; 147:395-406. [PMID: 27069119 PMCID: PMC4845688 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201511542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Facial muscles are skeletal muscles that control facial expression. Sekulic-Jablanovic et al. characterize orbicularis oculi and extraocular muscles and find divergence in the expression of key molecules for muscle function between facial, extraocular, and quadriceps muscles. The orbicularis oculi are the sphincter muscles of the eyelids and are involved in modulating facial expression. They differ from both limb and extraocular muscles (EOMs) in their histology and biochemistry. Weakness of the orbicularis oculi muscles is a feature of neuromuscular disorders affecting the neuromuscular junction, and weakness of facial muscles and ptosis have also been described in patients with mutations in the ryanodine receptor gene. Here, we investigate human orbicularis oculi muscles and find that they are functionally more similar to quadriceps than to EOMs in terms of excitation–contraction coupling components. In particular, they do not express the cardiac isoform of the dihydropyridine receptor, which we find to be highly expressed in EOMs where it is likely responsible for the large depolarization-induced calcium influx. We further show that human orbicularis oculi and EOMs express high levels of utrophin and low levels of dystrophin, whereas quadriceps express dystrophin and low levels of utrophin. The results of this study highlight the notion that myotubes obtained by explanting satellite cells from different muscles are not functionally identical and retain the physiological characteristics of their muscle of origin. Furthermore, our results indicate that sparing of facial and EOMs in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the result of the higher levels of utrophin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Sekulic-Jablanovic
- Department of Anesthesia, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nina D Ullrich
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Goldblum
- Eye Clinic, Basel University and Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anja Palmowski-Wolfe
- Eye Clinic, Basel University and Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Zorzato
- Department of Anesthesia, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, General Pathology Section, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Susan Treves
- Department of Anesthesia, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, General Pathology Section, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
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44
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2015 William Allan Award. Am J Hum Genet 2016; 98:419-426. [PMID: 26942278 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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45
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Parvatiyar MS, Marshall JL, Nguyen RT, Jordan MC, Richardson VA, Roos KP, Crosbie-Watson RH. Sarcospan Regulates Cardiac Isoproterenol Response and Prevents Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-Associated Cardiomyopathy. J Am Heart Assoc 2015; 4:JAHA.115.002481. [PMID: 26702077 PMCID: PMC4845268 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.115.002481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a fatal cardiac and skeletal muscle disease resulting from mutations in the dystrophin gene. We have previously demonstrated that a dystrophin‐associated protein, sarcospan (SSPN), ameliorated Duchenne muscular dystrophy skeletal muscle degeneration by activating compensatory pathways that regulate muscle cell adhesion (laminin‐binding) to the extracellular matrix. Conversely, loss of SSPN destabilized skeletal muscle adhesion, hampered muscle regeneration, and reduced force properties. Given the importance of SSPN to skeletal muscle, we investigated the consequences of SSPN ablation in cardiac muscle and determined whether overexpression of SSPN into mdx mice ameliorates cardiac disease symptoms associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy. Methods and Results SSPN‐null mice exhibited cardiac enlargement, exacerbated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and increased fibrosis in response to β‐adrenergic challenge (isoproterenol; 0.8 mg/day per 2 weeks). Biochemical analysis of SSPN‐null cardiac muscle revealed reduced sarcolemma localization of many proteins with a known role in cardiomyopathy pathogenesis: dystrophin, the sarcoglycans (α‐, δ‐, and γ‐subunits), and β1D integrin. Transgenic overexpression of SSPN in Duchenne muscular dystrophy mice (mdxTG) improved cardiomyofiber cell adhesion, sarcolemma integrity, cardiac functional parameters, as well as increased expression of compensatory transmembrane proteins that mediate attachment to the extracellular matrix. Conclusions SSPN regulates sarcolemmal expression of laminin‐binding complexes that are critical to cardiac muscle function and protects against transient and chronic injury, including inherited cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle S Parvatiyar
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., R.T.N., V.A.R., R.H.C.W.) Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., M.C.J., V.A.R., K.P.R., R.H.C.W.)
| | - Jamie L Marshall
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., R.T.N., V.A.R., R.H.C.W.) Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., M.C.J., V.A.R., K.P.R., R.H.C.W.)
| | - Reginald T Nguyen
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., R.T.N., V.A.R., R.H.C.W.)
| | - Maria C Jordan
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., M.C.J., V.A.R., K.P.R., R.H.C.W.) Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.C.J., K.P.R.)
| | - Vanitra A Richardson
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., R.T.N., V.A.R., R.H.C.W.) Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., M.C.J., V.A.R., K.P.R., R.H.C.W.)
| | - Kenneth P Roos
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., M.C.J., V.A.R., K.P.R., R.H.C.W.) Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.C.J., K.P.R.)
| | - Rachelle H Crosbie-Watson
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., R.T.N., V.A.R., R.H.C.W.) Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., M.C.J., V.A.R., K.P.R., R.H.C.W.) Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (R.H.C.W.)
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Holland A, Murphy S, Dowling P, Ohlendieck K. Pathoproteomic profiling of the skeletal muscle matrisome in dystrophinopathy associated myofibrosis. Proteomics 2015; 16:345-66. [PMID: 26256116 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201500158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The gradual accumulation of collagen and associated proteins of the extracellular matrix is a crucial myopathological parameter of many neuromuscular disorders. Progressive tissue damage and fibrosis play a key pathobiochemical role in the dysregulation of contractile functions and often correlates with poor motor outcome in muscular dystrophies. Following a brief introduction into the role of the extracellular matrix in skeletal muscles, we review here the proteomic profiling of myofibrosis and its intrinsic role in X-linked muscular dystrophy. Although Duchenne muscular dystrophy is primarily a disease of the membrane cytoskeleton, one of its most striking histopathological features is a hyperactive connective tissue and tissue scarring. We outline the identification of novel factors involved in the modulation of the extracellular matrix in muscular dystrophy, such as matricellular proteins. The establishment of novel proteomic markers will be helpful in improving the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy monitoring in relation to fibrotic substitution of contractile tissue. In the future, the prevention of fibrosis will be crucial for providing optimum conditions to apply novel pharmacological treatments, as well as establish cell-based approaches or gene therapeutic interventions. The elimination of secondary abnormalities in the matrisome promises to reduce tissue scarring and the loss of skeletal muscle elasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashling Holland
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Sandra Murphy
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Paul Dowling
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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Guiraud S, Aartsma-Rus A, Vieira NM, Davies KE, van Ommen GJB, Kunkel LM. The Pathogenesis and Therapy of Muscular Dystrophies. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2015; 16:281-308. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-090314-025003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Guiraud
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, OX1 3PT Oxford, United Kingdom; ,
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; ,
| | - Natassia M. Vieira
- Division of Genetics and Genomics and Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; ,
| | - Kay E. Davies
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, OX1 3PT Oxford, United Kingdom; ,
| | - Gert-Jan B. van Ommen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; ,
| | - Louis M. Kunkel
- Division of Genetics and Genomics and Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; ,
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48
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Ghosh T, Basu U. Cis-Acting Sequence Elements and Upstream Open Reading Frame in Mouse Utrophin-A 5'-UTR Repress Cap-Dependent Translation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134809. [PMID: 26230628 PMCID: PMC4521823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Utrophin, the autosomal homologue of dystrophin can functionally compensate for dystrophin deficiency. Utrophin upregulation could therefore be a therapeutic strategy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) that arises from mutation in dystrophin gene. In contrast to its transcriptional regulation, mechanisms operating at post-transcriptional level of utrophin expression have not been well documented. Although utrophin-A 5'-UTR has been reported with internal ribosome entry site (IRES), its inhibitory effect on translation is also evident. In the present study we therefore aimed to compare relative contribution of cap-independent and cap-dependent translation with mouse utrophin-A 5'-UTR through m7G-capped and A-capped mRNA transfection based reporter assay. Our results demonstrate that cap-independent translation with utrophin-A 5'-UTR is not as strong as viral IRES. However, cap-independent mode has significant contribution as cap-dependent translation is severely repressed with utrophin-A 5'-UTR. We further identified two sequence elements and one upstream open reading frame in utrophin-A 5'-UTR responsible for repression. The repressor elements in utrophin-A 5'-UTR may be targeted for utrophin upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trinath Ghosh
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Utpal Basu
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
- * E-mail:
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van Westering TLE, Betts CA, Wood MJA. Current understanding of molecular pathology and treatment of cardiomyopathy in duchenne muscular dystrophy. Molecules 2015; 20:8823-55. [PMID: 25988613 PMCID: PMC6272314 DOI: 10.3390/molecules20058823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic muscle disorder caused by mutations in the Dmd gene resulting in the loss of the protein dystrophin. Patients do not only experience skeletal muscle degeneration, but also develop severe cardiomyopathy by their second decade, one of the main causes of death. The absence of dystrophin in the heart renders cardiomyocytes more sensitive to stretch-induced damage. Moreover, it pathologically alters intracellular calcium (Ca2+) concentration, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) localization and mitochondrial function and leads to inflammation and necrosis, all contributing to the development of cardiomyopathy. Current therapies only treat symptoms and therefore the need for targeting the genetic defect is immense. Several preclinical therapies are undergoing development, including utrophin up-regulation, stop codon read-through therapy, viral gene therapy, cell-based therapy and exon skipping. Some of these therapies are undergoing clinical trials, but these have predominantly focused on skeletal muscle correction. However, improving skeletal muscle function without addressing cardiac aspects of the disease may aggravate cardiomyopathy and therefore it is essential that preclinical and clinical focus include improving heart function. This review consolidates what is known regarding molecular pathology of the DMD heart, specifically focusing on intracellular Ca2+, nNOS and mitochondrial dysregulation. It briefly discusses the current treatment options and then elaborates on the preclinical therapeutic approaches currently under development to restore dystrophin thereby improving pathology, with a focus on the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tirsa L E van Westering
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Corinne A Betts
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK.
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK.
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50
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Lansman JB. Utrophin suppresses low frequency oscillations and coupled gating of mechanosensitive ion channels in dystrophic skeletal muscle. Channels (Austin) 2015; 9:145-60. [PMID: 25941878 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2015.1040211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
An absence of utrophin in muscle from mdx mice prolongs the open time of single mechanosensitive channels. On a time scale much longer than the duration of individual channel activations, genetic depletion of utrophin produces low frequency oscillations of channel open probability. Oscillatory channel opening occurred in the dystrophin/utrophin mutants, but was absent in wild-type and mdx fibers. By contrast, small conductance channels showed random gating behavior when present in the same patch. Applying a negative pressure to a patch on a DKO fiber produced a burst of mode II activity, but channels subsequently closed and remained silent for tens of seconds during the maintained pressure stimulus. In addition, simultaneous opening of multiple MS channels could be frequently observed in recordings from patches on DKO fibers, but only rarely in wild-type and mdx muscle. A model which accounts for the single-channel data is proposed in which utrophin acts as gating spring which maintains the mechanical stability a caveolar-like compartment. The state of this compartment is suggested to be dynamic; its continuity with the extracellular surface varying over seconds to minutes. Loss of the mechanical stability of this compartment contributes to pathogenic Ca(2+) entry through MS channels in Duchenne dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffry B Lansman
- a Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology ; School of Medicine; University of California San Francisco; San Francisco , CA USA
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