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Péladeau C, Jasmin BJ. Identifying FDA-Approved Drugs that Upregulate Utrophin A as a Therapeutic Strategy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2587:495-510. [PMID: 36401046 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2772-3_26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a neuromuscular disease caused by mutations and deletions within the DMD gene, which result in a lack of dystrophin protein at the sarcolemma of skeletal muscle fibers. The absence of dystrophin fragilizes the sarcolemma and compromises its integrity during cycles of muscle contraction, which, progressively, leads to reductions in muscle mass and function. DMD is thus a progressive muscle-wasting disease that results in a loss of ambulation, cardiomyopathy , respiratory impairment, and death. Although there is presently no cure for DMD, recent advances have led to many promising treatments. One such approach entails increasing expression of a homologous protein to dystrophin, named utrophin A, which is endogenously expressed in both healthy and DMD muscle fibers. Upregulation of utrophin A all along the sarcolemma of DMD muscle fibers can, in part, compensate for the absence of dystrophin. Over the years, our laboratory has focused a significant portion of our efforts in identifying and characterizing drugs and small molecules for their ability to target utrophin A and cause its overexpression. As part of these efforts, we have recently developed a novel ELISA-based high-throughput drug screen, to identify FDA-approved drugs that increase the expression of utrophin A in muscle cells in culture as well as in dystrophic mice. Here, we describe our overall strategy to identify and characterize several FDA-approved drugs that upregulate utrophin A expression and provide details on all experimental approaches. Such strategy has the potential to lead to the rapid development of novel therapeutics for DMD.
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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, ON, 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, ON, Canada.
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2
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Pharmacological inhibition of HDAC6 improves muscle phenotypes in dystrophin-deficient mice by downregulating TGF-β via Smad3 acetylation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7108. [PMID: 36402791 PMCID: PMC9675748 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34831-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The absence of dystrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy disrupts the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex resulting in skeletal muscle fiber fragility and atrophy, associated with fibrosis as well as microtubule and neuromuscular junction disorganization. The specific, non-conventional cytoplasmic histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) was recently shown to regulate acetylcholine receptor distribution and muscle atrophy. Here, we report that administration of the HDAC6 selective inhibitor tubastatin A to the Duchenne muscular dystrophy, mdx mouse model increases muscle strength, improves microtubule, neuromuscular junction, and dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex organization, and reduces muscle atrophy and fibrosis. Interestingly, we found that the beneficial effects of HDAC6 inhibition involve the downregulation of transforming growth factor beta signaling. By increasing Smad3 acetylation in the cytoplasm, HDAC6 inhibition reduces Smad2/3 phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and transcriptional activity. These findings provide in vivo evidence that Smad3 is a new target of HDAC6 and implicate HDAC6 as a potential therapeutic target in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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3
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Wu R, Song Y, Wu S, Chen Y. Promising therapeutic approaches of utrophin replacing dystrophin in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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4
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Ghosh G, Samui S, Das S, Singh V, Pal D, Das S, Naskar J, Sinha Roy S, Basu U. Poly C Binding Protein 2 dependent nuclear retention of the utrophin-A mRNA in C2C12 cells. RNA Biol 2021; 18:612-622. [PMID: 34904931 PMCID: PMC8782177 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.2004683] [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] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Upregulation of utrophin, the autosomal homologue of dystrophin, can compensate dystrophin deficiency in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) although the therapeutic success is yet to be achieved. The present study has identified Poly (C) binding protein 2 (PCBP2) as a post-transcriptional suppresser for the expression of utrophin-A, the muscle-specific utrophin isoform. This study confirms nuclear retention of utrophin-A mRNA in C2C12 cells, which is mediated by PCBP2. Further investigation demonstrates PCBP2-dependent nuclear retention of follistatin mRNA as well. Its involvement in nuclear retention of mRNA sheds light on a novel function of PCBP2 that makes utrophin-A mRNA less available in cytosol. PCBP2, therefore, may be a target to de-repress utrophin-A expression in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gargi Ghosh
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, India
| | - Satyabrata Samui
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, India
| | - Santanu Das
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Vandana Singh
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi University Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Doel Pal
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, India
| | - Subhanwita Das
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, India
| | - Jishu Naskar
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, India
| | - Soumya Sinha Roy
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi University Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Utpal Basu
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, India,CONTACT Utpal Basu Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, West Bengal741235, India
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5
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Soblechero-Martín P, López-Martínez A, de la Puente-Ovejero L, Vallejo-Illarramendi A, Arechavala-Gomeza V. Utrophin modulator drugs as potential therapies for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 47:711-723. [PMID: 33999469 PMCID: PMC8518368 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Utrophin is an autosomal paralogue of dystrophin, a protein whose deficit causes Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD/BMD). Utrophin is naturally overexpressed at the sarcolemma of mature dystrophin‐deficient fibres in DMD and BMD patients as well as in the mdx Duchenne mouse model. Dystrophin and utrophin can co‐localise in human foetal muscle, in the dystrophin‐competent fibres from DMD/BMD carriers, and revertant fibre clusters in biopsies from DMD patients. These findings suggest that utrophin overexpression could act as a surrogate, compensating for the lack of dystrophin, and, as such, it could be used in combination with dystrophin restoration therapies. Different strategies to overexpress utrophin are currently under investigation. In recent years, many compounds have been reported to modulate utrophin expression efficiently in preclinical studies and ameliorate the dystrophic phenotype in animal models of the disease. In this manuscript, we discuss the current knowledge on utrophin protein and the different mechanisms that modulate its expression in skeletal muscle. We also include a comprehensive review of compounds proposed as utrophin regulators and, as such, potential therapeutic candidates for these muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Soblechero-Martín
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Clinical Laboratory Service, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Bilbao-Basurto Integrated Health Organisation, Basurto University Hospital, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Andrea López-Martínez
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | | | - Virginia Arechavala-Gomeza
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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6
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Vuorinen A, Wilkinson IVL, Chatzopoulou M, Edwards B, Squire SE, Fairclough RJ, Bazan NA, Milner JA, Conole D, Donald JR, Shah N, Willis NJ, Martínez RF, Wilson FX, Wynne GM, Davies SG, Davies KE, Russell AJ. Discovery and mechanism of action studies of 4,6-diphenylpyrimidine-2-carbohydrazides as utrophin modulators for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 220:113431. [PMID: 33915371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a fatal disease with no cure, caused by lack of the cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. Upregulation of utrophin, a dystrophin paralogue, offers a potential therapy independent of mutation type. The failure of first-in-class utrophin modulator ezutromid/SMT C1100 in Phase II clinical trials necessitates development of compounds with better efficacy, physicochemical and ADME properties and/or complementary mechanisms. We have discovered and performed a preliminary optimisation of a novel class of utrophin modulators using an improved phenotypic screen, where reporter expression is derived from the full genomic context of the utrophin promoter. We further demonstrate through target deconvolution studies, including expression analysis and chemical proteomics, that this compound series operates via a novel mechanism of action, distinct from that of ezutromid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aini Vuorinen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Isabel V L Wilkinson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Maria Chatzopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Ben Edwards
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Sarah E Squire
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Rebecca J Fairclough
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Noelia Araujo Bazan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Josh A Milner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Daniel Conole
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - James R Donald
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Nandini Shah
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Nicky J Willis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - R Fernando Martínez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Francis X Wilson
- Summit Therapeutics Plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4SB, UK
| | - Graham M Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Stephen G Davies
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Kay E Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK.
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3PQ, UK.
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7
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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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8
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Péladeau C, Adam N, Bronicki LM, Coriati A, Thabet M, Al-Rewashdy H, Vanstone J, Mears A, Renaud JM, Holcik M, Jasmin BJ. Identification of therapeutics that target eEF1A2 and upregulate utrophin A translation in dystrophic muscles. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1990. [PMID: 32332749 PMCID: PMC7181625 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15971-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Up-regulation of utrophin in muscles represents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. We previously demonstrated that eEF1A2 associates with the 5’UTR of utrophin A to promote IRES-dependent translation. Here, we examine whether eEF1A2 directly regulates utrophin A expression and identify via an ELISA-based high-throughput screen, FDA-approved drugs that upregulate both eEF1A2 and utrophin A. Our results show that transient overexpression of eEF1A2 in mouse muscles causes an increase in IRES-mediated translation of utrophin A. Through the assessment of our screen, we reveal 7 classes of FDA-approved drugs that increase eEF1A2 and utrophin A protein levels. Treatment of mdx mice with the 2 top leads results in multiple improvements of the dystrophic phenotype. Here, we report that IRES-mediated translation of utrophin A via eEF1A2 is a critical mechanism of regulating utrophin A expression and reveal the potential of repurposed drugs for treating DMD via this pathway. One potential approach for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dysrophy is to increase expression of the dystrophin homolog utrophin. Here, the authors show that eEF1A2 regulates utrophin expression, and show that 2 FDA-approved drugs upregulate eEIF1A2 and utrophin level in mice, leading to improvement of the dystrophic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Péladeau
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Nadine Adam
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Lucas M Bronicki
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Adèle Coriati
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Mohamed Thabet
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Hasanen Al-Rewashdy
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Jason Vanstone
- Apoptosis Research Centre, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 5B2, Canada
| | - Alan Mears
- Apoptosis Research Centre, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 5B2, Canada
| | - Jean-Marc Renaud
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Martin Holcik
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Bernard J Jasmin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada. .,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
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9
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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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10
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Grages SM, Bell M, Berlau DJ. New and emerging pharmacotherapy for duchenne muscular dystrophy: a focus on synthetic therapeutics. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2020; 21:841-851. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2020.1732350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon M. Grages
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Regis University School of Pharmacy, Denver, Colorado
| | - Michael Bell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Regis University School of Pharmacy, Denver, Colorado
| | - Daniel J. Berlau
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Regis University School of Pharmacy, Denver, Colorado
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11
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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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12
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Dong QC, Chen HM, Jin X. [A review of gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2018; 20:691-696. [PMID: 30111482 PMCID: PMC7389749 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2018.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive hereditary disease caused by mutations in the DMD gene that encodes dystrophin. It is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscle and myocardium due to the absence of dystrophin. The disease often occurs at the age of 2-5 years, and most children may die of heart failure or respiratory insufficiency at the age of around 20 years. At present, supportive therapy is often used in clinical practice to improve symptoms, but this cannot improve the outcome of this disease. The development of gene therapy brings new hope to the cure of this disease. This article summarizes gene replacement therapy for DMD, including the research advances in DMD gene transduction technology mediated by adeno-associated virus, utrophin protein upregulation technology, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat gene editing technology, and reviews the recommendations to solve the issues of adeno-associated viral load, long-term effective expression of transgenic products, and utrophin protein expression, in order to provide a reference for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Chao Dong
- Medical School of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, China.
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13
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to summarize the current and emerging therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). RECENT FINDINGS Coinciding with new standardized care guidelines, there are a growing number of therapeutic options to treat males with DMD. Treatment of the underlying pathobiology, such as micro-dystrophin gene replacement, exon skipping, stop codon read-through agents, and utrophin modulators showed variable success in animal and human studies. Symptomatic therapies to target muscle ischemia, enhance muscle regeneration, prevent muscle fibrosis, inhibit myostatin, and reduce inflammation are also under investigation. DMD is a complex, heterogeneous degenerative disease. The pharmacological and technological achievements made in recent years, plus timely supportive interventions will likely lead to an improved quality of life for many individuals with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Crone
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. .,Alberta Children's Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 6A8, Canada.
| | - Jean K Mah
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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14
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Utrophin haploinsufficiency does not worsen the functional performance, resistance to eccentric contractions and force production of dystrophic mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198408. [PMID: 29879154 PMCID: PMC5991729 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of dystrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) compromises the integrity and function of muscle fibers. Skeletal muscles, except the diaphragm, do not undergo progressive degeneration in adult mdx mice due to compensatory mechanisms, including structural protein upregulation. New mouse models, including utrophin haploinsufficient mdx (mdx/utrn+/-) mice, may better recapitulate DMD. Our goal was to determine whether mdx/utrn+/- worsens the mdx phenotype and to characterize the course of the disease on muscle function and contractility at 1, 2, and 5 months of age, which encompass all stages of development relevant to DMD therapy. The functional performances of mdx/utrn+/- mice showed that they are not more affected than mdx/utrn+/+ mice based on downhill treadmill running parameters and subsequent recovery measured by open-field voluntary activity. WT mice ran the entire distance (450 m) on the treadmill, with an additional 561 m during the 4 h of open-field while mdx/utrn+/+ and mdx/utrn+/- mice completed, respectively, 236 m and 273 m on the treadmill and 341 m and 287 m during the open-field period. In addition, isolated ex vivo contractile properties and repeated eccentric contractions showed that mdx/utrn+/- does not significantly worsen the function of dystrophic EDL muscles, which are mainly composed of fast-twitch fibers that are preferentially affected in DMD. Twitch, absolute tetanic, and specific tetanic forces were very similar in dystrophic EDL muscles from mdx/utrn+/+ and mdx utrn+/- mice at 1, 2, and 5 months of age. Five-month-old mdx/utrn+/+ and mdx/utrn+/- mice lost roughly 50% of their force due to repeated eccentric contractions. Thus, histological, morphological, biochemical functional and contractile observations showed that utrophin haploinsufficiency has a very limited impact on mdx mice.
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Péladeau C, Adam NJ, Jasmin BJ. Celecoxib treatment improves muscle function in mdx mice and increases utrophin A expression. FASEB J 2018; 32:5090-5103. [PMID: 29723037 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201800081r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic and progressive neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations and deletions in the dystrophin gene. Although there is currently no cure, one promising treatment for DMD is aimed at increasing endogenous levels of utrophin A to compensate functionally for the lack of dystrophin. Recent studies from our laboratory revealed that heparin treatment of mdx mice activates p38 MAPK, leading to an upregulation of utrophin A expression and improvements in the dystrophic phenotype. Based on these findings, we sought to determine the effects of other potent p38 activators, including the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor celecoxib. In this study, we treated 6-wk-old mdx mice for 4 wk with celecoxib. Immunofluorescence analysis of celecoxib-treated mdx muscles revealed a fiber type switch from a fast to a slower phenotype along with beneficial effects on muscle fiber integrity. In agreement, celecoxib-treated mdx mice showed improved muscle strength. Celecoxib treatment also induced increases in utrophin A expression ranging from ∼1.5- to 2-fold in tibialis anterior diaphragm and heart muscles. Overall, these results highlight that activation of p38 in muscles can indeed lead to an attenuation of the dystrophic phenotype and reveal the potential role of celecoxib as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of DMD.-Péladeau, C., Adam, N. J., Jasmin, B. J. Celecoxib treatment improves muscle function in mdx mice and increases utrophin A expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Péladeau
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nadine J Adam
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernard J Jasmin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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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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Dial AG, Rooprai P, Lally JS, Bujak AL, Steinberg GR, Ljubicic V. The role of AMP‐activated protein kinase in the expression of the dystrophin‐associated protein complex in skeletal muscle. FASEB J 2018; 32:2950-2965. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700868rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Athan G. Dial
- Department of KinesiologyMcMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Paul Rooprai
- Department of KinesiologyMcMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - James S. Lally
- Department of MedicineMcMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Adam L. Bujak
- Department of MedicineMcMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Gregory R. Steinberg
- Department of MedicineMcMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical SciencesMcMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Vladimir Ljubicic
- Department of KinesiologyMcMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
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Crawford Parks TE, Ravel-Chapuis A, Bondy-Chorney E, Renaud JM, Côté J, Jasmin BJ. Muscle-specific expression of the RNA-binding protein Staufen1 induces progressive skeletal muscle atrophy via regulation of phosphatase tensin homolog. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:1821-1838. [PMID: 28369467 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Converging lines of evidence have now highlighted the key role for post-transcriptional regulation in the neuromuscular system. In particular, several RNA-binding proteins are known to be misregulated in neuromuscular disorders including myotonic dystrophy type 1, spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this study, we focused on the RNA-binding protein Staufen1, which assumes multiple functions in both skeletal muscle and neurons. Given our previous work that showed a marked increase in Staufen1 expression in various physiological and pathological conditions including denervated muscle, in embryonic and undifferentiated skeletal muscle, in rhabdomyosarcomas as well as in myotonic dystrophy type 1 muscle samples from both mouse models and humans, we investigated the impact of sustained Staufen1 expression in postnatal skeletal muscle. To this end, we generated a skeletal muscle-specific transgenic mouse model using the muscle creatine kinase promoter to drive tissue-specific expression of Staufen1. We report that sustained Staufen1 expression in postnatal skeletal muscle causes a myopathy characterized by significant morphological and functional deficits. These deficits are accompanied by a marked increase in the expression of several atrophy-associated genes and by the negative regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling. We also uncovered that Staufen1 mediates PTEN expression through indirect transcriptional and direct post-transcriptional events thereby providing the first evidence for Staufen1-regulated PTEN expression. Collectively, our data demonstrate that Staufen1 is a novel atrophy-associated gene, and highlight its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for neuromuscular disorders and conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara E Crawford Parks
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Aymeric Ravel-Chapuis
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Emma Bondy-Chorney
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Jean-Marc Renaud
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Jocelyn Côté
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Bernard J Jasmin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
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Paré MF, Jasmin BJ. Chronic 5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide-1-β-d-Ribofuranoside Treatment Induces Phenotypic Changes in Skeletal Muscle, but Does Not Improve Disease Outcomes in the R6/2 Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease. Front Neurol 2017; 8:516. [PMID: 29021780 PMCID: PMC5623671 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative genetic disorder characterized by motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. It is well established that regular physical activity supports brain health, benefiting cognitive function, mental health as well as brain structure and plasticity. Exercise mimetics (EMs) are a group of drugs and small molecules that target signaling pathways in skeletal muscle known to be activated by endurance exercise. The EM 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) has been shown to induce cognitive benefits in healthy mice. Since AICAR does not readily cross the blood–brain barrier, its beneficial effect on the brain has been ascribed to its impact on skeletal muscle. Our objective, therefore, was to examine the effect of chronic AICAR treatment on the muscular and neurological pathology in a mouse model of HD. To this end, R6/2 mice were treated with AICAR for 8 weeks and underwent regular neurobehavioral testing. Under our conditions, AICAR increased expression of PGC-1α, a powerful phenotypic modifier of muscle, and induced the expected shift toward a more oxidative muscle phenotype in R6/2 mice. However, this treatment failed to induce benefits on HD progression. Indeed, neurobehavioral deficits, striatal, and muscle mutant huntingtin aggregate density, as well as muscle atrophy were not mitigated by the chronic administration of AICAR. Although the muscle adaptations seen in HD mice following AICAR treatment may still provide therapeutically relevant benefits to patients with limited mobility, our findings indicate that under our experimental conditions, AICAR had no effect on several hallmarks of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-France Paré
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Bernard J Jasmin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Pharmacological advances for treatment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2017; 34:36-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Reinig AM, Mirzaei S, Berlau DJ. Advances in the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: New and Emerging Pharmacotherapies. Pharmacotherapy 2017; 37:492-499. [DOI: 10.1002/phar.1909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M. Reinig
- School of Pharmacy; Regis University Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions; Denver Colorado
| | - Sara Mirzaei
- School of Pharmacy; Regis University Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions; Denver Colorado
| | - Daniel J. Berlau
- School of Pharmacy; Regis University Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions; Denver Colorado
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Spaulding HR, Ballmann CG, Quindry JC, Selsby JT. Long-Term Quercetin Dietary Enrichment Partially Protects Dystrophic Skeletal Muscle. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168293. [PMID: 27977770 PMCID: PMC5158046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) results from a genetic lesion in the dystrophin gene and leads to progressive muscle damage. PGC-1α pathway activation improves muscle function and decreases histopathological injury. We hypothesized that mild disease found in the limb muscles of mdx mice may be responsive to quercetin-mediated protection of dystrophic muscle via PGC-1α pathway activation. To test this hypothesis muscle function was measured in the soleus and EDL from 14 month old C57, mdx, and mdx mice treated with quercetin (mdxQ; 0.2% dietary enrichment) for 12 months. Quercetin reversed 50% of disease-related losses in specific tension and partially preserved fatigue resistance in the soleus. Specific tension and resistance to contraction-induced injury in the EDL were not protected by quercetin. Given some functional gain in the soleus it was probed with histological and biochemical approaches, however, in dystrophic muscle histopathological outcomes were not improved by quercetin and suppressed PGC-1α pathway activation was not increased. Similar to results in the diaphragm from these mice, these data suggest that the benefits conferred to dystrophic muscle following 12 months of quercetin enrichment were underwhelming. Spontaneous activity at the end of the treatment period was greater in mdxQ compared to mdx indicating that quercetin fed mice were more active in addition to engaging in more vigorous activity. Hence, modest preservation of muscle function (specific tension) and elevated spontaneous physical activity largely in the absence of tissue damage in mdxQ suggests dietary quercetin may mediate protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R. Spaulding
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | | | - John C. Quindry
- School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Joshua T. Selsby
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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