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Szwec S, Kapłucha Z, Chamberlain JS, Konieczny P. Dystrophin- and Utrophin-Based Therapeutic Approaches for Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Comparative Review. BioDrugs 2024; 38:95-119. [PMID: 37917377 PMCID: PMC10789850 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00632-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a devastating disease that leads to progressive muscle loss and premature death. While medical management focuses mostly on symptomatic treatment, decades of research have resulted in first therapeutics able to restore the affected reading frame of dystrophin transcripts or induce synthesis of a truncated dystrophin protein from a vector, with other strategies based on gene therapy and cell signaling in preclinical or clinical development. Nevertheless, recent reports show that potentially therapeutic dystrophins can be immunogenic in patients. This raises the question of whether a dystrophin paralog, utrophin, could be a more suitable therapeutic protein. Here, we compare dystrophin and utrophin amino acid sequences and structures, combining published data with our extended in silico analyses. We then discuss these results in the context of therapeutic approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Specifically, we focus on strategies based on delivery of micro-dystrophin and micro-utrophin genes with recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors, exon skipping of the mutated dystrophin pre-mRNAs, reading through termination codons with small molecules that mask premature stop codons, dystrophin gene repair by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9)-mediated genetic engineering, and increasing utrophin levels. Our analyses highlight the importance of various dystrophin and utrophin domains in Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment, providing insights into designing novel therapeutic compounds with improved efficacy and decreased immunoreactivity. While the necessary actin and β-dystroglycan binding sites are present in both proteins, important functional distinctions can be identified in these domains and some other parts of truncated dystrophins might need redesigning due to their potentially immunogenic qualities. Alternatively, therapies based on utrophins might provide a safer and more effective approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Szwec
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Kapłucha
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jeffrey S Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109-8055, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109-8055, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109-8055, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109-8055, USA
| | - Patryk Konieczny
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
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Chu X, Li J, Qiao C, Wang J, Wang Y, Jiang XC, You H, Xiao X, Wang B. Long-term effect of human mini-dystrophin in transgenic mdx mice improves muscle physiological function. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21628. [PMID: 33982338 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100057rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal genetic muscle disorder caused by recessive mutations in dystrophin gene, affecting 1/3000 males. Gene therapy has been proven to ameliorate dystrophic pathology. To investigate therapeutic benefits from long-term effect of human mini-dystrophin and functional outcomes, transgenic mdx mice (Tg-mdx) containing a single copy of human mini-dystrophin (∆hDys3849) gene, five rods (Rods1-2, Rods22-24), and two hinges (H1 and H4) driven by a truncated creatine-kinase promoter (dMCK) in a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector (rAAV) backbone, were generated and used to determine gene expression and improvement of muscle function. Human mini-dystrophin gene expression was found in a majority of the skeletal muscles, but no expression in cardiac muscle. Dystrophin-associated glycoproteins (DAGs) such as sarcoglycans and nNOS were restored at the sarcolemma and coincided with human mini-dystrophin gene expression at the ages of 6, 10, and 20 months; Morphology of dystrophic muscle expressing the human mini-dystrophin gene was improved and central nuclei were reduced. Myofiber membrane integrity was improved by Evans blue dye test. Improvement in treadmill running and grip force was observed in transgenic mice at 6 months. Tetanic force and specific force of tibialis anterior (TA) muscle were significantly increased at the ages of 6, 10, and 20 months. Pseudohypertrophy was not found in TA muscle at 10 and 20 months when compared with wild-type C57 (WT) group. This study demonstrated that the long-term effects of human mini-dystrophin effectively ameliorated pathology and improved the functions of the dystrophic muscles in the transgenic DMD mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Chu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Li
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chunping Qiao
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiqing Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xian-Cheng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Hongbo You
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Sztretye M, Szabó L, Dobrosi N, Fodor J, Szentesi P, Almássy J, Magyar ZÉ, Dienes B, Csernoch L. From Mice to Humans: An Overview of the Potentials and Limitations of Current Transgenic Mouse Models of Major Muscular Dystrophies and Congenital Myopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238935. [PMID: 33255644 PMCID: PMC7728138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a group of more than 160 different human neuromuscular disorders characterized by a progressive deterioration of muscle mass and strength. The causes, symptoms, age of onset, severity, and progression vary depending on the exact time point of diagnosis and the entity. Congenital myopathies are rare muscle diseases mostly present at birth that result from genetic defects. There are no known cures for congenital myopathies; however, recent advances in gene therapy are promising tools in providing treatment. This review gives an overview of the mouse models used to investigate the most common muscular dystrophies and congenital myopathies with emphasis on their potentials and limitations in respect to human applications.
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The lncRNA H19 alleviates muscular dystrophy by stabilizing dystrophin. Nat Cell Biol 2020; 22:1332-1345. [PMID: 33106653 PMCID: PMC7951180 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-020-00595-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Dystrophin proteomic regulation in Muscular Dystrophies (MD) remains unclear. We report that a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), H19, associates with dystrophin and inhibits E3 ligase-dependent poly-ubiquitination at Lys3584 (referred to as Ub-DMD) and its subsequent protein degradation. In-frame deletions in BMD and a DMD non-silent mutation (C3340Y) result in defects in the protein’s ability to interact with H19, causing elevated Ub-DMD levels and dystrophin degradation. Dmd C3333Y mice exhibited progressive muscular dystrophy, elevated serum CK, heart dilation, blood vessel irregularity, and respiratory failure with concurrently reduced dystrophin and increased Ub-DMD status. H19 RNA oligonucleotides conjugated with Agrin (AGR-H19) and Nifenazone competed-with/inhibited TRIM63. Dmd C3333Y animals, iPSC-derived skeletal muscle cells from BMD patients, or mdx mice subjected to exon-skipping exhibited inhibited dystrophin degradation, preserved skeletal/cardiac muscle histology, and improved strength/heart function following AGR-H19 or Nifenazone treatment. Our study paves the way to meaningful targeted therapeutics for BMD and certain DMD patients.
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Ferry A, Messéant J, Parlakian A, Lemaitre M, Roy P, Delacroix C, Lilienbaum A, Hovhannisyan Y, Furling D, Klein A, Li Z, Agbulut O. Desmin prevents muscle wasting, exaggerated weakness and fragility, and fatigue in dystrophic mdx mouse. J Physiol 2020; 598:3667-3689. [PMID: 32515007 DOI: 10.1113/jp279282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Desmin, similar to dystrophin, is associated with costameric structures bridging sarcomeres to the extracellular matrix. Deletion of the desmin gene in mdx mice [double knockout (DKO) mice] induces marked muscle weakness and fatigue resistance compared to mdx mice. Muscle fragility (higher susceptibility to contraction-induced injury) was also aggravated in DKO mice compared to mdx mice. By contrast to mdx mice, the DKO mice did not undergo muscle hypertrophy. Desmin cDNA transfer with adeno-associated virus in newborn mdx mice reduced muscle weakness. Overall, desmin plays important and beneficial roles in muscle wasting, performance and fragility in dystrophic muscle. ABSTRACT Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe neuromuscular disease caused by dystrophin deficiency. Desmin, similar to dystrophin, is associated with costameric structures bridging sarcomeres to the extracellular matrix that contributes to muscle function. In the present study, we attempted to provide further insight into the roles of desmin, for which the expression is increased in the muscle from the mouse mdx DMD model. We show that a deletion of the desmin gene (Des) in mdx mice [double knockout (DKO) mice, mdx:desmin-/-] induces a marked muscle weakness; namely, a reduced absolute maximal force production and increased fatigue compared to that in mdx mice. Fragility (i.e. higher susceptibility to contraction-induced injury) was also aggravated in DKO mice compared to mdx mice, despite the promotion of supposedly less fragile muscle fibres in DKO mice, and this worsening of fragility was related to a decreased muscle excitability. Moreover, in contrast to mdx mice, the DKO mice did not undergo muscle hypertrophy, as indicated by smaller and fewer fibres, with a reduced percentage of centronucleated fibres, potentially explaining the severe muscle weakness. Notably, Desmin cDNA transfer with adeno-associated virus in newborn mdx mice improved specific maximal force normalized to muscle weight. Overall, desmin plays important and beneficial roles in muscle wasting, performance and fragility in dystrophic mdx mice, which differ, at least in part, from those observed in healthy muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Ferry
- Sorbonne Université, Centre de recherche en myologie, INSERM U974, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Institut des Sciences du Sport Santé de Paris, UFRSTAPS, Paris, France
| | - Julien Messéant
- Sorbonne Université, Centre de recherche en myologie, INSERM U974, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Ara Parlakian
- Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), UMR CNRS 8256, INSERM ERL U1164, Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Paris, France
| | - Mégane Lemaitre
- Sorbonne Université, Centre de recherche en myologie, INSERM U974, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Pauline Roy
- Sorbonne Université, Centre de recherche en myologie, INSERM U974, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Clément Delacroix
- Sorbonne Université, Centre de recherche en myologie, INSERM U974, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Alain Lilienbaum
- Université de Paris, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, CNRS UMR 8251, Paris, France
| | - Yeranuhi Hovhannisyan
- Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), UMR CNRS 8256, INSERM ERL U1164, Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Paris, France
| | - Denis Furling
- Sorbonne Université, Centre de recherche en myologie, INSERM U974, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Arnaud Klein
- Sorbonne Université, Centre de recherche en myologie, INSERM U974, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Zhenlin Li
- Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), UMR CNRS 8256, INSERM ERL U1164, Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Paris, France
| | - Onnik Agbulut
- Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), UMR CNRS 8256, INSERM ERL U1164, Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Paris, France
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Yanay N, Elbaz M, Konikov-Rozenman J, Elgavish S, Nevo Y, Fellig Y, Rabie M, Mitrani-Rosenbaum S, Nevo Y. Pax7, Pax3 and Mamstr genes are involved in skeletal muscle impaired regeneration of dy2J/dy2J mouse model of Lama2-CMD. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:3369-3390. [PMID: 31348492 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital muscular dystrophy type-1A (Lama2-CMD) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) result from deficiencies of laminin-α2 and dystrophin proteins, respectively. Although both proteins strengthen the sarcolemma, they are implicated in clinically distinct phenotypes. We used RNA-deep sequencing (RNA-Seq) of dy2J/dy2J, Lama2-CMD mouse model, skeletal muscle at 8 weeks of age to elucidate disease pathophysiology. This study is the first report of dy2J/dy2J model whole transcriptome profile. RNA-Seq of the mdx mouse model of DMD and wild-type (WT) mouse was carried as well in order to enable a novel comparison of dy2J/dy2J to mdx. A large group of shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was found in dy2J/dy2J and mdx models (1834 common DEGs, false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05). Enrichment pathway analysis using ingenuity pathway analysis showed enrichment of inflammation, fibrosis, cellular movement, migration and proliferation of cells, apoptosis and necrosis in both mouse models (P-values 3E-10-9E-37). Via canonical pathway analysis, actin cytoskeleton, integrin, integrin-linked kinase, NF-kB, renin-angiotensin, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and calcium signaling were also enriched and upregulated in both models (FDR < 0.05). Interestingly, significant downregulation of Pax7 was detected in dy2J/dy2J compared to upregulation of this key regeneration gene in mdx mice. Pax3 and Mamstr genes were also downregulated in dy2J/dy2J compared to WT mice. These results may explain the distinct disease course and severity in these models. While the mdx model at that stage shows massive regeneration, the dy2J/dy2J shows progressive dystrophic process. Our data deepen our understanding of the molecular pathophysiology and suggest new targets for additional therapies to upregulate regeneration in Lama2-CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurit Yanay
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Institute of Neurology, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Moran Elbaz
- Pediatric Neuromuscular Laboratory, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jenya Konikov-Rozenman
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Institute of Neurology, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharona Elgavish
- Info-CORE, I-CORE Bioinformatics Unit, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yuval Nevo
- Info-CORE, I-CORE Bioinformatics Unit, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yakov Fellig
- Department of Pathology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Malcolm Rabie
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Institute of Neurology, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Stella Mitrani-Rosenbaum
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yoram Nevo
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Institute of Neurology, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Swiderski K, Bindon R, Trieu J, Naim T, Schokman S, Swaminathan M, Leembruggen AJL, Hill-Yardin EL, Koopman R, Bornstein JC, Lynch GS. Spatiotemporal Mapping Reveals Regional Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in mdx Dystrophic Mice Ameliorated by Oral L-arginine Supplementation. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2020; 26:133-146. [PMID: 31715094 PMCID: PMC6955187 DOI: 10.5056/jnm19029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy exhibit significant, ongoing impairments in gastrointestinal (GI) function likely resulting from dysregulated nitric oxide production. Compounds increasing neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression and/or activity could improve GI dysfunction and enhance quality of life for dystrophic patients. We used video imaging and spatiotemporal mapping to identify GI dysfunction in mdx dystrophic mice and determine whether dietary intervention to enhance nitric oxide could alleviate aberrant colonic activity in muscular dystrophy. Methods Four-week-old male C57BL/10 and mdx mice received a specialized diet either with no supplementation (control) or supplemented (1 g/kg/day) with L-alanine, L-arginine, or L-citrulline for 8 weeks. At the conclusion of treatment, mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and colon motility examined by spatiotemporal (ST) mapping ex vivo. Results ST mapping identified increased contraction number in the mid and distal colon of mdx mice on control and L-alanine supplemented diets relative to C57BL/10 mice (P < 0.05). Administration of either L-arginine or L-citrulline attenuated contraction number in distal colons of mdx mice relative to C57BL/10 mice. Conclusions GI dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy has been sadly neglected as an issue affecting quality of life. ST mapping identified regional GI dysfunction in the mdx dystrophic mouse. Dietary interventions to increase nitric oxide signaling in the GI tract reduced the number of colonic contractions and alleviated colonic constriction at rest. These findings in mdx mice reveal that L-arginine can improve colonic motility and has potential therapeutic relevance for alleviating GI discomfort, improving clinical care, and enhancing quality of life in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Swiderski
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rebecka Bindon
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jennifer Trieu
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Timur Naim
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shana Schokman
- Enteric Nervous System Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mathusi Swaminathan
- Enteric Nervous System Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anita J L Leembruggen
- Enteric Nervous System Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elisa L Hill-Yardin
- Enteric Nervous System Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Australia.,Gut-Brain Axis Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia (Current address)
| | - René Koopman
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joel C Bornstein
- Enteric Nervous System Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gordon S Lynch
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
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Wasala NB, Yue Y, Lostal W, Wasala LP, Niranjan N, Hajjar RJ, Babu GJ, Duan D. Single SERCA2a Therapy Ameliorated Dilated Cardiomyopathy for 18 Months in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Mol Ther 2020; 28:845-854. [PMID: 31981493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of dystrophin leads to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). A pathogenic feature of DMD is the significant elevation of cytosolic calcium. Supraphysiological calcium triggers protein degradation, membrane damage, and eventually muscle death and dysfunction. Sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium ATPase (SERCA) is a calcium pump that transports cytosolic calcium to the SR during excitation-contraction coupling. We hypothesize that a single systemic delivery of SERCA2a with adeno-associated virus (AAV) may improve calcium recycling and provide long-lasting benefits in DMD. To test this, we injected an AAV9 human SERCA2a vector (6 × 1012 viral genome particles/mouse) intravenously to 3-month-old mdx mice, the most commonly used DMD model. Immunostaining and western blot showed robust human SERCA2a expression in the heart and skeletal muscle for 18 months. Concomitantly, SR calcium uptake was significantly improved in these tissues. SERCA2a therapy significantly enhanced grip force and treadmill performance, completely prevented myocardial fibrosis, and normalized electrocardiograms (ECGs). Cardiac catheterization showed normalization of multiple systolic and diastolic hemodynamic parameters in treated mice. Importantly, chamber dilation was completely prevented, and ejection fraction was restored to the wild-type level. Our results suggest that a single systemic AAV9 SERCA2a therapy has the potential to provide long-lasting benefits for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalinda B Wasala
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Yongping Yue
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - William Lostal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Lakmini P Wasala
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Nandita Niranjan
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | | | - Gopal J Babu
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; Department of Biomedical, Biological & Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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9
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Ma KM, Thomas ES, Wereszczynski J, Menhart N. Empirical and Computational Comparison of Alternative Therapeutic Exon Skip Repairs for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Biochemistry 2019; 58:2061-2076. [PMID: 30896926 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a common and devastating genetic disease primarily caused by exon deletions that create a genetic frameshift in dystrophin. Exon skipping therapy seeks to correct this by masking an exon during the mRNA maturation process, restoring dystrophin expression, but creating an edited protein missing both the original defect and the therapeutically skipped region. Crucially, it is possible to correct many defects in alternative ways, by skipping an exon either before or after the patient's defect. This results in alternatively edited, hybrid proteins that might have different properties and therapeutic consequences. We examined three such dystrophin exon-skipped edits, Δe45-53, Δe46-54, and Δe47-55, comprising two pairs of alternative repairs of Δe46-53 and Δe47-54 DMD defects. We found that in both cases, Δe46-54 was the more stable repair as determined by a variety of thermodynamic and biochemical measurements. We also examined the origin of these differences with molecular dynamics simulations, which showed that these stability differences were the result of different types of structural perturbations. For example, in one edit there was partial unfolding at the edit site that caused domain-localized perturbations while in another there was unfolding at the protein domain junctions distal to the edit site that increased molecular flexibility. These results demonstrate that alternative exon skip repairs of the same underlying defect can have very different consequences at the level of protein structure and stability and furthermore that these can arise by different mechanisms, either locally or by more subtle long-range perturbations.
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10
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Nelson DM, Lindsay A, Judge LM, Duan D, Chamberlain JS, Lowe DA, Ervasti JM. Variable rescue of microtubule and physiological phenotypes in mdx muscle expressing different miniaturized dystrophins. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:2090-2100. [PMID: 29618008 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Delivery of miniaturized dystrophin genes via adeno-associated viral vectors is one leading approach in development to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Here we directly compared the functionality of five mini- and micro-dystrophins via skeletal muscle-specific transgenic expression in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. We evaluated their ability to rescue defects in the microtubule network, passive stiffness and contractility of skeletal muscle. Transgenic mdx mice expressing the short dystrophin isoform Dp116 served as a negative control. All mini- and micro-dystrophins restored elevated detyrosinated α-tubulin and microtubule density of mdx muscle to values not different from C57BL/10, however, only mini-dystrophins restored the transverse component of the microtubule lattice back to C57BL/10. Passive stiffness values in mdx muscles expressing mini- or micro-dystrophins were not different from C57BL/10. While all mini- and micro-dystrophins conferred significant protection from eccentric contraction-induced force loss in vivo and ex vivo compared to mdx, removal of repeats two and three resulted in less protection from force drop caused by eccentric contraction ex vivo. Our data reveal subtle yet significant differences in the relative functionalities for different therapeutic constructs of miniaturized dystrophin in terms of protection from ex vivo eccentric contraction-induced force loss and restoration of an organized microtubule lattice.
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Affiliation(s)
- D'anna M Nelson
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Angus Lindsay
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Luke M Judge
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | | | - Dawn A Lowe
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - James M Ervasti
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Matsuo M, Awano H, Matsumoto M, Nagai M, Kawaguchi T, Zhang Z, Nishio H. Dystrophin Dp116: A yet to Be Investigated Product of the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Gene. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8100251. [PMID: 28974057 PMCID: PMC5664101 DOI: 10.3390/genes8100251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene is one of the largest genes in the human genome. The gene exhibits a complex arrangement of seven alternative promoters, which drive the expression of three full length and four shorter isoforms. Dp116, the second smallest product of the DMD gene, is a Schwann cell-specific isoform encoded by a transcript corresponding to DMD exons 56–79, starting from a promoter/exon S1 within intron 55. The physiological roles of Dp116 are poorly understood, because of its extensive homology with other isoforms and its expression in specific tissues. This review summarizes studies on Dp116, focusing on clinical findings and alternative activation of the upstream translation initiation codon that is predicted to produce Dp118.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Matsuo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Awano
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Masaaki Matsumoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Masashi Nagai
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Kawaguchi
- Biomedical Analysis and Pathology Research Group, Discovery Science and Technology Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Tokyo 134-8630, Japan.
| | - Zhujun Zhang
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan.
| | - Hisahide Nishio
- Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Sciences, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan.
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12
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Swiderski K, Martins KJB, Chee A, Trieu J, Naim T, Gehrig SM, Baum DM, Brenmoehl J, Chau L, Koopman R, Gregorevic P, Metzger F, Hoeflich A, Lynch GS. Skeletal muscle-specific overexpression of IGFBP-2 promotes a slower muscle phenotype in healthy but not dystrophic mdx mice and does not affect the dystrophic pathology. Growth Horm IGF Res 2016; 30-31:1-10. [PMID: 27544574 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 06/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) are thought to modulate cell size and homeostasis via IGF-I-dependent and -independent pathways. There is a considerable dearth of information regarding the function of IGFBPs in skeletal muscle, particularly their role in the pathophysiology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In this study we tested the hypothesis that intramuscular IGFBP-2 overexpression would ameliorate the pathology in mdx dystrophic mice. DESIGN 4week old male C57Bl/10 and mdx mice received a single intramuscular injection of AAV6-empty or AAV6-IGFBP-2 vector into the tibialis anterior muscle. At 8weeks post-injection the effect of IGFBP-2 overexpression on the structure and function of the injected muscle was assessed. RESULTS AAV6-mediated IGFBP-2 overexpression in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of 4-week-old C57BL/10 and mdx mice reduced the mass of injected muscle after 8weeks, inducing a slower muscle phenotype in C57BL/10 but not mdx mice. Analysis of inflammatory and fibrotic gene expression revealed no changes between control and IGFBP-2 injected muscles in dystrophic (mdx) mice. CONCLUSIONS Together these results indicate that the IGFBP-2-induced promotion of a slower muscle phenotype is impaired in muscles of dystrophin-deficient mdx mice, which contributes to the inability of IGFBP-2 to ameliorate the dystrophic pathology. The findings implicate the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) in the signaling required for this adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Swiderski
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Karen Janet Bernice Martins
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Annabel Chee
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jennifer Trieu
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Timur Naim
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Stefan Martin Gehrig
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Dale Michael Baum
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Julia Brenmoehl
- Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Luong Chau
- Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - René Koopman
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Paul Gregorevic
- Muscle Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Friedrich Metzger
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., pRED, Pharma Research & Early Development, DTA Neuroscience, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Hoeflich
- Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Gordon Stuart Lynch
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
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13
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Yajima H, Kawakami K. LowSix4andSix5gene dosage improves dystrophic phenotype and prolongs life span of mdx mice. Dev Growth Differ 2016; 58:546-61. [DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Yajima
- Division of Biology; Center for Molecular Medicine; Jichi Medical University; 3311-1 Yakushiji Shimotsuke Tochigi 329-0498 Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Kawakami
- Division of Biology; Center for Molecular Medicine; Jichi Medical University; 3311-1 Yakushiji Shimotsuke Tochigi 329-0498 Japan
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14
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Barnabei MS, Sjaastad FV, Townsend D, Bedada FB, Metzger JM. Severe dystrophic cardiomyopathy caused by the enteroviral protease 2A-mediated C-terminal dystrophin cleavage fragment. Sci Transl Med 2016; 7:294ra106. [PMID: 26136477 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaa4804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Enterovirus infection can cause severe cardiomyopathy in humans. The virus-encoded 2A protease is known to cleave the cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. It is unclear, however, whether cardiomyopathy results from the loss of dystrophin or is due to the emergence of a dominant-negative dystrophin cleavage product. We show for the first time that the 2A protease-mediated carboxyl-terminal dystrophin cleavage fragment (CtermDys) is sufficient to cause marked dystrophic cardiomyopathy. The sarcolemma-localized CtermDys fragment caused myocardial fibrosis, heightened susceptibility to myocardial ischemic injury, and increased mortality during cardiac stress testing in vivo. CtermDys cardiomyopathy was more severe than in hearts completely lacking dystrophin. In vivo titration of CtermDys peptide content revealed an inverse relationship between the decay of membrane-bound CtermDys and the restoration of full-length dystrophin at the sarcolemma, in support of a physiologically relevant loss of dystrophin function in this model. CtermDys gene titration and dystrophin replacement studies further established a target threshold of 50% membrane-bound intact dystrophin necessary to prevent mice from CtermDys cardiomyopathy. Conversely, the NtermDys fragment did not compete with dystrophin and had no pathological effect. Thus, CtermDys must be localized to the sarcolemma, with intact dystrophin <50% of normal levels, to exert dominant-negative peptide-dependent cardiomyopathy. These data support a two-hit dominant-negative disease mechanism where membrane-associated CtermDys severs the link to cortical actin and inhibits both full-length dystrophin and compensatory utrophin from binding at the membrane. Therefore, membrane-bound CtermDys is a new potential translational target for virus-mediated cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Barnabei
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Frances V Sjaastad
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - DeWayne Townsend
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Fikru B Bedada
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Joseph M Metzger
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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15
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Chihara D, Romer AI, Bentzinger CF, Rudnicki MA, Krauss RS. PAX7 is required for patterning the esophageal musculature. Skelet Muscle 2015; 5:39. [PMID: 26635949 PMCID: PMC4668666 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-015-0068-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The mammalian esophageal musculature is unique in that it makes a transition from smooth to skeletal muscle, with most of this process occurring after birth. In order to better understand the mechanisms that control esophageal musculature development, we investigated the roles in this process of the paired box transcription factor, PAX7, a principal regulator of skeletal myogenic progenitor cells. Previous studies showed that Pax7 is important for determining the esophageal muscle composition. Results We characterized the postnatal development of the esophageal musculature in Pax7−/− mice by analyzing morphology, muscle composition, and the expression of markers of myogenesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Pax7−/− mice displayed megaesophagus with a severe defect in the postnatal developmental process whereby esophageal smooth muscle is replaced by skeletal muscle. Pax7−/− esophagi have substantially reduced skeletal muscle, most likely due to diminished proliferation and premature differentiation of skeletal muscle precursor cells. This impaired the proximal-to-distal progression of skeletal myogenesis and indirectly affected the patterning of the smooth muscle-containing portion of the esophageal musculature. Conclusions Postnatal patterning of the esophageal musculature appears to require robust, PAX7-dependent cell proliferation to drive the proximal-to-distal progression of skeletal myogenesis. This process in turn influences distal smooth muscle morphogenesis and development of the mature pattern of the esophageal musculature. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13395-015-0068-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Chihara
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029 USA
| | - Anthony I Romer
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029 USA ; Graduate School of Biological Sciences, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA ; Present address: Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, 701 West 168th Street, HHSC 1602, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - C Florian Bentzinger
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, K1H 8L6 ON Canada ; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, K1H 8M5 ON Canada ; Present address: Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, EPFL Campus, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael A Rudnicki
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, K1H 8L6 ON Canada ; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, K1H 8M5 ON Canada
| | - Robert S Krauss
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029 USA ; Graduate School of Biological Sciences, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA
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16
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McGreevy JW, Hakim CH, McIntosh MA, Duan D. Animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: from basic mechanisms to gene therapy. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:195-213. [PMID: 25740330 PMCID: PMC4348559 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.018424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle-wasting disorder. It is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the dystrophin gene. Currently, there is no cure. A highly promising therapeutic strategy is to replace or repair the defective dystrophin gene by gene therapy. Numerous animal models of DMD have been developed over the last 30 years, ranging from invertebrate to large mammalian models. mdx mice are the most commonly employed models in DMD research and have been used to lay the groundwork for DMD gene therapy. After ~30 years of development, the field has reached the stage at which the results in mdx mice can be validated and scaled-up in symptomatic large animals. The canine DMD (cDMD) model will be excellent for these studies. In this article, we review the animal models for DMD, the pros and cons of each model system, and the history and progress of preclinical DMD gene therapy research in the animal models. We also discuss the current and emerging challenges in this field and ways to address these challenges using animal models, in particular cDMD dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe W McGreevy
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Chady H Hakim
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Mark A McIntosh
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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17
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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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18
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Swiderski K, Shaffer SA, Gallis B, Odom GL, Arnett AL, Scott Edgar J, Baum DM, Chee A, Naim T, Gregorevic P, Murphy KT, Moody J, Goodlett DR, Lynch GS, Chamberlain JS. Phosphorylation within the cysteine-rich region of dystrophin enhances its association with β-dystroglycan and identifies a potential novel therapeutic target for skeletal muscle wasting. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:6697-711. [PMID: 25082828 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in dystrophin lead to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which is among the most common human genetic disorders. Dystrophin nucleates assembly of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC), and a defective DGC disrupts an essential link between the intracellular cytoskeleton and the basal lamina, leading to progressive muscle wasting. In vitro studies have suggested that dystrophin phosphorylation may affect interactions with actin or syntrophin, yet whether this occurs in vivo or affects protein function remains unknown. Utilizing nanoflow liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, we identified 18 phosphorylated residues within endogenous dystrophin. Mutagenesis revealed that phosphorylation at S3059 enhances the dystrophin-dystroglycan interaction and 3D modeling utilizing the Rosetta software program provided a structural model for how phosphorylation enhances this interaction. These findings demonstrate that phosphorylation is a key mechanism regulating the interaction between dystrophin and the DGC and reveal that posttranslational modification of a single amino acid directly modulates the function of dystrophin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Swiderski
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-7720, USA
| | - Scott A Shaffer
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-7610, USA
| | - Byron Gallis
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-7610, USA
| | - Guy L Odom
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-7720, USA
| | - Andrea L Arnett
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-7720, USA
| | - J Scott Edgar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-7610, USA
| | - Dale M Baum
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Annabel Chee
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Timur Naim
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Paul Gregorevic
- Muscle Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Kate T Murphy
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - James Moody
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-7350, USA and Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-7275, USA
| | - David R Goodlett
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-7610, USA
| | - Gordon S Lynch
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jeffrey S Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-7720, USA Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-7350, USA and Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-7275, USA
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19
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Nigro V, Piluso G. Spectrum of muscular dystrophies associated with sarcolemmal-protein genetic defects. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2014; 1852:585-93. [PMID: 25086336 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2014.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Revised: 07/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are heterogeneous genetic disorders that share progressive muscle wasting. This may generate partial impairment of motility as well as a dramatic and fatal course. Less than 30 years ago, the identification of the genetic basis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy opened a new era. An explosion of new information on the mechanisms of disease was witnessed, with many thousands of publications and the characterization of dozens of other genetic forms. Genes mutated in muscular dystrophies encode proteins of the plasma membrane and extracellular matrix, several of which are part of the dystrophin-associated complex. Other gene products localize at the sarcomere and Z band, or are nuclear membrane components. In the present review, we focus on muscular dystrophies caused by defects that affect the sarcolemmal and sub-sarcolemmal proteins. We summarize the nature of each disease, the genetic cause, and the pathogenic pathways that may suggest future treatment options. We examine X-linked Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies and the autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophies caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcolemmal proteins. The mechanism of muscle damage is reviewed starting from disarray of the shock-absorbing dystrophin-associated complex at the sarcolemma and activation of inflammatory response up to the final stages of fibrosis. We trace only a part of the biochemical, physiopathological and clinical aspects of muscular dystrophy to avoid a lengthy list of different and conflicting observations. We attempt to provide a critical synthesis of what we consider important aspects to better understand the disease. In our opinion, it is becoming ever more important to go back to the bedside to validate and then translate each proposed mechanism. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Neuromuscular Diseases: Pathology and Molecular Pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Nigro
- Dipartimento di Biochimica, Biofisica e Patologia Generale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, via Luigi De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy; Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Giulio Piluso
- Dipartimento di Biochimica, Biofisica e Patologia Generale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, via Luigi De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy; Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy
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20
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Taghli-Lamallem O, Jagla K, Chamberlain JS, Bodmer R. Mechanical and non-mechanical functions of Dystrophin can prevent cardiac abnormalities in Drosophila. Exp Gerontol 2013; 49:26-34. [PMID: 24231130 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2013.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Dystrophin-deficiency causes cardiomyopathies and shortens the life expectancy of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy patients. Restoring Dystrophin expression in the heart by gene transfer is a promising avenue to explore as a therapy. Truncated Dystrophin gene constructs have been engineered and shown to alleviate dystrophic skeletal muscle disease, but their potential in preventing the development of cardiomyopathy is not fully understood. In the present study, we found that either the mechanical or the signaling functions of Dystrophin were able to reduce the dilated heart phenotype of Dystrophin mutants in a Drosophila model. Our data suggest that Dystrophin retains some function in fly cardiomyocytes in the absence of a predicted mechanical link to the cytoskeleton. Interestingly, cardiac-specific manipulation of nitric oxide synthase expression also modulates cardiac function, which can in part be reversed by loss of Dystrophin function, further implying a signaling role of Dystrophin in the heart. These findings suggest that the signaling functions of Dystrophin protein are able to ameliorate the dilated cardiomyopathy, and thus might help to improve heart muscle function in micro-Dystrophin-based gene therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ouarda Taghli-Lamallem
- Development and Aging Program, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Rd, Building 7 Room 7125, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; GReD, INSERM U1103, CNRS UMR6293-Clermont University, Faculty of Medicine 28, Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Krzysztof Jagla
- GReD, INSERM U1103, CNRS UMR6293-Clermont University, Faculty of Medicine 28, Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jeffrey S Chamberlain
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Box 357720, Seattle, WA 98195-7720, USA
| | - Rolf Bodmer
- Development and Aging Program, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Rd, Building 7 Room 7125, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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21
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Hakim CH, Burkin DJ, Duan D. Alpha 7 integrin preserves the function of the extensor digitorum longus muscle in dystrophin-null mice. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2013; 115:1388-92. [PMID: 23990247 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00602.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex (DGC) and the α7β1-integrin complex are two independent protein complexes that link the extracellular matrix with the cytoskeleton in muscle cells. These associations stabilize the sarcolemma during force transmission. Loss of either one of these complexes leads to muscular dystrophy. Dystrophin is a major component of the DGC. Its absence results in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Because α7-integrin overexpression has been shown to ameliorate muscle histopathology in mouse models of DMD, we hypothesize that the α7β1-integrin complex can help preserve muscle function. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated muscle force, elasticity, and the viscous property of the extensor digitorum longus muscle in 19-day-old normal BL6, dystrophin-null mdx4cv, α7-integrin-null, and dystrophin/α7-integrin double knockout mice. While nominal changes were found in single knockout mice, contractility and passive properties were significantly compromised in α7-integrin double knockout mice. Our results suggest that DGC and α7β1-integrin complexes may compensate each other to maintain normal skeletal muscle function. α7β1-Integrin upregulation may hold promise to treat not only histological, but also physiological, defects in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chady H Hakim
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
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22
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Miller G, Moore CJ, Terry R, La Riviere T, Mitchell A, Piggott R, Dear TN, Wells DJ, Winder SJ. Preventing phosphorylation of dystroglycan ameliorates the dystrophic phenotype in mdx mouse. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:4508-20. [PMID: 22810924 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of dystrophin protein due to mutations in the DMD gene causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dystrophin loss also leads to the loss of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC) from the sarcolemma which contributes to the dystrophic phenotype. Tyrosine phosphorylation of dystroglycan has been identified as a possible signal to promote the proteasomal degradation of the DGC. In order to test the role of tyrosine phosphorylation of dystroglycan in the aetiology of DMD, we generated a knock-in mouse with a phenylalanine substitution at a key tyrosine phosphorylation site in dystroglycan, Y890. Dystroglycan knock-in mice (Dag1(Y890F/Y890F)) had no overt phenotype. In order to examine the consequence of blocking dystroglycan phosphorylation on the aetiology of dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy, the Y890F mice were crossed with mdx mice an established model of muscular dystrophy. Dag1(Y890F/Y890F)/mdx mice showed a significant improvement in several parameters of muscle pathophysiology associated with muscular dystrophy, including a reduction in centrally nucleated fibres, less Evans blue dye infiltration and lower serum creatine kinase levels. With the exception of dystrophin, other DGC components were restored to the sarcolemma including α-sarcoglycan, α-/β-dystroglycan and sarcospan. Furthermore, Dag1(Y890F/Y890F)/mdx showed a significant resistance to muscle damage and force loss following repeated eccentric contractions when compared with mdx mice. While the Y890F substitution may prevent dystroglycan from proteasomal degradation, an increase in sarcolemmal plectin appeared to confer protection on Dag1(Y890F/Y890F)/mdx mouse muscle. This new model confirms dystroglycan phosphorylation as an important pathway in the aetiology of DMD and provides novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaynor Miller
- Department of Cardiovascular Science, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
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Joanne P, Hourdé C, Ochala J, Caudéran Y, Medja F, Vignaud A, Mouisel E, Hadj-Said W, Arandel L, Garcia L, Goyenvalle A, Mounier R, Zibroba D, Sakamato K, Butler-Browne G, Agbulut O, Ferry A. Impaired adaptive response to mechanical overloading in dystrophic skeletal muscle. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35346. [PMID: 22511986 PMCID: PMC3325198 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin contributes to force transmission and has a protein-scaffolding role for a variety of signaling complexes in skeletal muscle. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the muscle adaptive response following mechanical overloading (ML) would be decreased in MDX dystrophic muscle lacking dystrophin. We found that the gains in muscle maximal force production and fatigue resistance in response to ML were both reduced in MDX mice as compared to healthy mice. MDX muscle also exhibited decreased cellular and molecular muscle remodeling (hypertrophy and promotion of slower/oxidative fiber type) in response to ML, and altered intracellular signalings involved in muscle growth and maintenance (mTOR, myostatin, follistatin, AMPKα1, REDD1, atrogin-1, Bnip3). Moreover, dystrophin rescue via exon skipping restored the adaptive response to ML. Therefore our results demonstrate that the adaptive response in response to ML is impaired in dystrophic MDX muscle, most likely because of the dystrophin crucial role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Joanne
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS EAC4413, Unit of Functional and Adaptive Biology, Laboratory of Stress and Pathologies of the Cytoskeleton, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Hourdé
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, Sorbonne Universités, UMR S794, INSERM U974, CNRS UMR7215, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Julien Ochala
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yvain Caudéran
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, Sorbonne Universités, UMR S794, INSERM U974, CNRS UMR7215, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Fadia Medja
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, Sorbonne Universités, UMR S794, INSERM U974, CNRS UMR7215, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Alban Vignaud
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, Sorbonne Universités, UMR S794, INSERM U974, CNRS UMR7215, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Etienne Mouisel
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, Sorbonne Universités, UMR S794, INSERM U974, CNRS UMR7215, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Wahiba Hadj-Said
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, Sorbonne Universités, UMR S794, INSERM U974, CNRS UMR7215, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Arandel
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, Sorbonne Universités, UMR S794, INSERM U974, CNRS UMR7215, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Luis Garcia
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, Sorbonne Universités, UMR S794, INSERM U974, CNRS UMR7215, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Goyenvalle
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, Sorbonne Universités, UMR S794, INSERM U974, CNRS UMR7215, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Rémi Mounier
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Daria Zibroba
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Kei Sakamato
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Butler-Browne
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, Sorbonne Universités, UMR S794, INSERM U974, CNRS UMR7215, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Onnik Agbulut
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS EAC4413, Unit of Functional and Adaptive Biology, Laboratory of Stress and Pathologies of the Cytoskeleton, Paris, France
| | - Arnaud Ferry
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, Sorbonne Universités, UMR S794, INSERM U974, CNRS UMR7215, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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