1
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Davies KE, Vogt J. Long-term clinical follow-up of a family with Becker muscular dystrophy associated with a large deletion in the DMD gene. Neuromuscul Disord 2024; 39:5-9. [PMID: 38653179 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disease caused by DMD gene mutations that result in an absence of functional dystrophin protein. Patients with Duchenne experience progressive muscle weakness, are typically wheelchair dependent by their early teens, and develop respiratory and cardiac complications that lead to death in their twenties or thirties. Becker muscular dystrophy is also caused by DMD gene mutations, but symptoms are less severe and progression is slower compared with Duchenne. We describe a case study of a patient with Becker muscular dystrophy who was still ambulant at age 61 years and had a milder phenotype than Duchenne, despite 46% of his DMD gene being missing. His affected relatives had similarly mild phenotypes and clinical courses. These data guided the understanding of the criticality of various regions of dystrophin and informed the development of micro-dystrophin constructs to compensate for the absence of functional dystrophin in Duchenne.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay E Davies
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford 0X1 3PT, United Kingdom.
| | - Julie Vogt
- West Midlands Regional Genetics Service, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TG, United Kingdom.
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2
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Alizadeh F, Abraghan YJ, Farrokhi S, Yousefi Y, Mirahmadi Y, Eslahi A, Mojarrad M. Production of Duchenne muscular dystrophy cellular model using CRISPR-Cas9 exon deletion strategy. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1027-1040. [PMID: 37289342 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04759-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle wasting disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the dystrophin gene. Although the search for a definitive cure has failed to date, extensive efforts have been made to introduce effective therapeutic strategies. Gene editing technology is a great revolution in biology, having an immediate application in the generation of research models. DMD muscle cell lines are reliable sources to evaluate and optimize therapeutic strategies, in-depth study of DMD pathology, and screening the effective drugs. However, only a few immortalized muscle cell lines with DMD mutations are available. In addition, obtaining muscle cells from patients also requires an invasive muscle biopsy. Mostly DMD variants are rare, making it challenging to identify a patient with a particular mutation for a muscle biopsy. To overcome these challenges and generate myoblast cultures, we optimized a CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing approach to model the most common DMD mutations that include approximately 28.2% of patients. GAP-PCR and sequencing results show the ability of the CRISPR-Cas9 system to efficient deletion of mentioned exons. We showed producing truncated transcript due to the targeted deletion by RT-PCR and sequencing. Finally, mutation-induced disruption of dystrophin protein expression was confirmed by western blotting. All together, we successfully created four immortalized DMD muscle cell lines and showed the efficacy of the CRISPR-Cas9 system for the generation of immortalized DMD cell models with the targeted deletions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Alizadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Yousef Jafari Abraghan
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shima Farrokhi
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Yasamin Yousefi
- Department of Biochemistry, Mashhad University of Ferdowsi, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Yeganeh Mirahmadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Atieh Eslahi
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Majid Mojarrad
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Genetic Center of Khorasan Razavi, Mashhad, Iran.
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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3
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Krishna S, Piepho AB, Lake DM, Cumby LR, Lortz KK, Lowe J, Chamberlain JS, Rafael-Fortney JA. Gene therapy delivered micro-dystrophins co-localize with transgenic utrophin in dystrophic skeletal muscle fibers. Neuromuscul Disord 2024; 36:1-5. [PMID: 38301403 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating muscle disease caused by the absence of functional dystrophin. There are multiple ongoing clinical trials for DMD that are testing gene therapy treatments consisting of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors carrying miniaturized versions of dystrophin optimized for function, termed micro-dystrophins (μDys). Utrophin, the fetal homolog of dystrophin, has repeatedly been reported to be upregulated in human DMD muscle as a compensatory mechanism, but whether µDys displaces full-length utrophin is unknown. In this study, dystrophin/utrophin-deficient mice with transgenic overexpression of full-length utrophin in skeletal muscles were systemically administered low doses of either AAV6-CK8e-Hinge3-µDys (μDysH3) or AAV6-CK8e-μDys5 (μDys5). We used immunofluorescence to qualitatively assess the localization of μDys with transgenic utrophin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in quadriceps muscles. μDys protein resulting from both gene therapies co-localized at myofiber membranes with transgenic utrophin. We also confirmed the sarcolemmal co-localization of nNOS with μDys5, but not with transgenic utrophin expression or μDysH3. Transgenic utrophin expression and μDys proteins produced from both therapies stabilize the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex as observed by sarcolemmal localization of β-dystroglycan. This study suggests that µDys gene therapy will likely not inhibit any endogenous compensation by utrophin in DMD muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swathy Krishna
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Arden B Piepho
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dana M Lake
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Laurel R Cumby
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kaelyn K Lortz
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jeovanna Lowe
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology and Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jill A Rafael-Fortney
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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4
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Zaidman CM, Proud CM, McDonald CM, Lehman KJ, Goedeker NL, Mason S, Murphy AP, Guridi M, Wang S, Reid C, Darton E, Wandel C, Lewis S, Malhotra J, Griffin DA, Potter RA, Rodino-Klapac LR, Mendell JR. Delandistrogene Moxeparvovec Gene Therapy in Ambulatory Patients (Aged ≥4 to <8 Years) with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: 1-Year Interim Results from Study SRP-9001-103 (ENDEAVOR). Ann Neurol 2023; 94:955-968. [PMID: 37539981 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Delandistrogene moxeparvovec is approved in the USA for the treatment of ambulatory patients (4-5 years) with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. ENDEAVOR (SRP-9001-103; NCT04626674) is a single-arm, open-label study to evaluate delandistrogene moxeparvovec micro-dystrophin expression, safety, and functional outcomes following administration of commercial process delandistrogene moxeparvovec. METHODS In cohort 1 of ENDEAVOR (N = 20), eligible ambulatory males, aged ≥4 to <8 years, received a single intravenous infusion of delandistrogene moxeparvovec (1.33 × 1014 vg/kg). The primary endpoint was change from baseline (CFBL) to week 12 in delandistrogene moxeparvovec micro-dystrophin by western blot. Additional endpoints evaluated included: safety; vector genome copies; CFBL to week 12 in muscle fiber-localized micro-dystrophin by immunofluorescence; and functional assessments, including North Star Ambulatory Assessment, with comparison with a propensity score-weighted external natural history control. RESULTS The 1-year safety profile of commercial process delandistrogene moxeparvovec in ENDEAVOR was consistent with safety data reported in other delandistrogene moxeparvovec trials (NCT03375164 and NCT03769116). Delandistrogene moxeparvovec micro-dystrophin expression was robust, with sarcolemmal localization at week 12; mean (SD) CFBL in western blot, 54.2% (42.6); p < 0.0001. At 1 year, patients demonstrated stabilized or improved North Star Ambulatory Assessment total scores; mean (SD) CFBL, +4.0 (3.5). Treatment versus a propensity score-weighted external natural history control demonstrated a statistically significant difference in least squares mean (standard error) CFBL in North Star Ambulatory Assessment, +3.2 (0.6) points; p < 0.0001. INTERPRETATION Results confirm efficient transduction of muscle by delandistrogene moxeparvovec. One-year post-treatment, delandistrogene moxeparvovec was well tolerated, and demonstrated stabilized or improved motor function, suggesting a clinical benefit for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:955-968.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig M Zaidman
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Crystal M Proud
- Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | | | - Kelly J Lehman
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Natalie L Goedeker
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Carol Reid
- Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | | | | | - Sarah Lewis
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jerry R Mendell
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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5
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Potter RA, Griffin DA, Heller KN, Mendell JR, Rodino-Klapac LR. Expression and function of four AAV-based constructs for dystrophin restoration in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio059797. [PMID: 37670674 PMCID: PMC10538294 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Robust expression of shortened, functional dystrophin provided impetus to develop adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based constructs for clinical application. Because several cassettes are being tested in clinical trials, this study compared the efficacies of four shortened dystrophin-promoter combinations with implications for outcomes in clinical trials: MHCK7 or MCK promoter with a shortened dystrophin transgene containing the N-terminus and spectrin repeats R1, R2, R3 and R24 (rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin and rAAVrh74.MCK.micro-dystrophin, respectively); shortened dystrophin construct containing the neuronal nitric oxide (nNOS) binding site (rAAVrh74.MHCK7.DV.mini-dystrophin); and shortened dystrophin containing the C-terminus (rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin.Cterm). Functional and histological benefit were examined at 4 weeks following intramuscular delivery in mdx mice. rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin provided the most robust transgene expression and significantly increased specific force output in the tibialis anterior muscle. Muscle environment was normalized (i.e. reductions in central nucleation), indicating functional and histological advantages of rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin. Thus, promoter choice and transgene design are critical for optimal dystrophin expression/distribution for maximal functional improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael A. Potter
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Danielle A. Griffin
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kristin N. Heller
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Jerry R. Mendell
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Louise R. Rodino-Klapac
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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6
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Asher D, Dai D, Klimchak AC, Sedita LE, Gooch KL, Rodino-Klapac L. Paving the way for future gene therapies: A case study of scientific spillover from delandistrogene moxeparvovec. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:474-483. [PMID: 37674905 PMCID: PMC10477757 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapies have potential to improve outcomes of severe diseases after only a single administration. Novel therapies are continually being developed using knowledge gained from prior successes, a concept known as scientific spillover. Gene therapy advancement requires extensive development at each stage: preclinical work to create and evaluate vehicles for delivery of the therapy, design of clinical development programs, and establishment of a large-scale manufacturing process. Pioneering gene therapies are generating spillover as investigators confront myriad issues specific to this treatment modality. These include frameworks for construct engineering, dose evaluation, patient selection, outcome assessment, and safety monitoring. Consequently, the benefits of these therapies extend beyond offering knowledge for treating any one disease to establishing new platforms and paradigms that will accelerate advancement of future gene therapies. This impact is even more profound in rare diseases, where developing therapies in isolation may not be possible. This review describes some instances of scientific spillover in healthcare, and specifically gene therapy, using delandistrogene moxeparvovec (SRP-9001), a gene therapy recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of ambulatory pediatric patients aged 4-5 years with Duchenne muscular dystrophy with a confirmed mutation in the DMD gene, as a case study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon Asher
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Daisy Dai
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Alexa C. Klimchak
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Lauren E. Sedita
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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7
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Harriot AD, Altair Morris T, Vanegas C, Kallenbach J, Pinto K, Joca HC, Moutin MJ, Shi G, Ursitti JA, Grosberg A, Ward CW. Detyrosinated microtubule arrays drive myofibrillar malformations in mdx muscle fibers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1209542. [PMID: 37691825 PMCID: PMC10485621 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1209542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered myofibrillar structure is a consequence of dystrophic pathology that impairs skeletal muscle contractile function and increases susceptibility to contraction injury. In murine Duchenne muscular dystrophy (mdx), myofibrillar alterations are abundant in advanced pathology (>4 months), an age where we formerly established densified microtubule (MT) arrays enriched in detyrosinated (deTyr) tubulin as negative disease modifiers impacting cell mechanics and mechanotransduction. Given the essential role of deTyr-enriched MT arrays in myofibrillar growth, maintenance, and repair, we examined the increased abundance of these arrays as a potential mechanism for these myofibrillar alterations. Here we find an increase in deTyr-tubulin as an early event in dystrophic pathology (4 weeks) with no evidence myofibrillar alterations. At 16 weeks, we show deTyr-enriched MT arrays significantly densified and co-localized to areas of myofibrillar malformation. Profiling the enzyme complexes responsible for deTyr-tubulin, we identify vasohibin 2 (VASH2) and small vasohibin binding protein (SVBP) significantly elevated in the mdx muscle at 4 weeks. Using the genetic increase in VASH2/SVBP expression in 4 weeks wild-type mice we find densified deTyr-enriched MT arrays that co-segregate with myofibrillar malformations similar to those in the 16 weeks mdx. Given that no changes in sarcomere organization were identified in fibers expressing sfGFP as a control, we conclude that disease-dependent densification of deTyr-enriched MT arrays underscores the altered myofibrillar structure in dystrophic skeletal muscle fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anicca D. Harriot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tessa Altair Morris
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research Center, and the NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Camilo Vanegas
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jacob Kallenbach
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kaylie Pinto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Humberto C. Joca
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Marie-Jo Moutin
- INSERM U1216 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Guoli Shi
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jeanine A. Ursitti
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Anna Grosberg
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research Center, and the NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Christopher W. Ward
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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8
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Bez Batti Angulski A, Hosny N, Cohen H, Martin AA, Hahn D, Bauer J, Metzger JM. Duchenne muscular dystrophy: disease mechanism and therapeutic strategies. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1183101. [PMID: 37435300 PMCID: PMC10330733 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1183101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, progressive, and ultimately fatal disease of skeletal muscle wasting, respiratory insufficiency, and cardiomyopathy. The identification of the dystrophin gene as central to DMD pathogenesis has led to the understanding of the muscle membrane and the proteins involved in membrane stability as the focal point of the disease. The lessons learned from decades of research in human genetics, biochemistry, and physiology have culminated in establishing the myriad functionalities of dystrophin in striated muscle biology. Here, we review the pathophysiological basis of DMD and discuss recent progress toward the development of therapeutic strategies for DMD that are currently close to or are in human clinical trials. The first section of the review focuses on DMD and the mechanisms contributing to membrane instability, inflammation, and fibrosis. The second section discusses therapeutic strategies currently used to treat DMD. This includes a focus on outlining the strengths and limitations of approaches directed at correcting the genetic defect through dystrophin gene replacement, modification, repair, and/or a range of dystrophin-independent approaches. The final section highlights the different therapeutic strategies for DMD currently in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Joseph M. Metzger
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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9
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Mirouse V. Evolution and developmental functions of the dystrophin-associated protein complex: beyond the idea of a muscle-specific cell adhesion complex. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1182524. [PMID: 37384252 PMCID: PMC10293626 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1182524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Dystrophin-Associated Protein Complex (DAPC) is a well-defined and evolutionarily conserved complex in animals. DAPC interacts with the F-actin cytoskeleton via dystrophin, and with the extracellular matrix via the membrane protein dystroglycan. Probably for historical reasons that have linked its discovery to muscular dystrophies, DAPC function is often described as limited to muscle integrity maintenance by providing mechanical robustness, which implies strong cell-extracellular matrix adhesion properties. In this review, phylogenetic and functional data from different vertebrate and invertebrate models will be analyzed and compared to explore the molecular and cellular functions of DAPC, with a specific focus on dystrophin. These data reveals that the evolution paths of DAPC and muscle cells are not intrinsically linked and that many features of dystrophin protein domains have not been identified yet. DAPC adhesive properties also are discussed by reviewing the available evidence of common key features of adhesion complexes, such as complex clustering, force transmission, mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction. Finally, the review highlights DAPC developmental roles in tissue morphogenesis and basement membrane (BM) assembly that may indicate adhesion-independent functions.
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10
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Ramirez MP, Rajaganapathy S, Hagerty AR, Hua C, Baxter GC, Vavra J, Gordon WR, Muretta JM, Salapaka MV, Ervasti JM. Phosphorylation alters the mechanical stiffness of a model fragment of the dystrophin homologue utrophin. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102847. [PMID: 36587764 PMCID: PMC9922815 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a lethal muscle wasting disease caused by the absence of the protein dystrophin. Utrophin is a dystrophin homologue currently under investigation as a protein replacement therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dystrophin is hypothesized to function as a molecular shock absorber that mechanically stabilizes the sarcolemma. While utrophin is homologous with dystrophin from a molecular and biochemical perspective, we have recently shown that full-length utrophin expressed in eukaryotic cells is stiffer than what has been reported for dystrophin fragments expressed in bacteria. In this study, we show that differences in expression system impact the mechanical stiffness of a model utrophin fragment encoding the N terminus through spectrin repeat 3 (UtrN-R3). We also demonstrate that UtrN-R3 expressed in eukaryotic cells was phosphorylated while bacterial UtrN-R3 was not detectably phosphorylated. Using atomic force microscopy, we show that phosphorylated UtrN-R3 exhibited significantly higher unfolding forces compared to unphosphorylated UtrN-R3 without altering its actin-binding activity. Consistent with the effect of phosphorylation on mechanical stiffness, mutating the phosphorylated serine residues on insect eukaryotic protein to alanine decreased its stiffness to levels not different from unphosphorylated bacterial protein. Taken together, our data suggest that the mechanical properties of utrophin may be tuned by phosphorylation, with the potential to improve its efficacy as a protein replacement therapy for dystrophinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paz Ramirez
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sivaraman Rajaganapathy
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Anthony R Hagerty
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Cailong Hua
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Gloria C Baxter
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joseph Vavra
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Wendy R Gordon
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joseph M Muretta
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Murti V Salapaka
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - James M Ervasti
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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11
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Kiriaev L, Baumann CW, Lindsay A. Eccentric contraction-induced strength loss in dystrophin-deficient muscle: Preparations, protocols, and mechanisms. J Gen Physiol 2023; 155:213810. [PMID: 36651896 PMCID: PMC9856740 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202213208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The absence of dystrophin hypersensitizes skeletal muscle of lower and higher vertebrates to eccentric contraction (ECC)-induced strength loss. Loss of strength can be accompanied by transient and reversible alterations to sarcolemmal excitability and disruption, triad dysfunction, and aberrations in calcium kinetics and reactive oxygen species production. The degree of ECC-induced strength loss, however, appears dependent on several extrinsic and intrinsic factors such as vertebrate model, skeletal muscle preparation (in vivo, in situ, or ex vivo), skeletal muscle hierarchy (single fiber versus whole muscle and permeabilized versus intact), strength production, fiber branching, age, and genetic background, among others. Consistent findings across research groups show that dystrophin-deficient fast(er)-twitch muscle is hypersensitive to ECCs relative to wildtype muscle, but because preparations are highly variable and sensitivity to ECCs are used repeatedly to determine efficacy of many preclinical treatments, it is critical to evaluate the impact of skeletal muscle preparations on sensitivity to ECC-induced strength loss in dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle. Here, we review and discuss variations in skeletal muscle preparations to evaluate the factors responsible for variations and discrepancies between research groups. We further highlight that dystrophin-deficiency, or loss of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex in skeletal muscle, is not a prerequisite for accelerated strength loss-induced by ECCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonit Kiriaev
- Muscle Research Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cory W. Baumann
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute (OMNI), Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Angus Lindsay
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia,Correspondence to Angus Lindsay:
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12
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The role of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex in muscle cell mechanotransduction. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1022. [PMID: 36168044 PMCID: PMC9515174 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03980-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin is the central protein of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) in skeletal and heart muscle cells. Dystrophin connects the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Severing the link between the ECM and the intracellular cytoskeleton has a devastating impact on the homeostasis of skeletal muscle cells, leading to a range of muscular dystrophies. In addition, the loss of a functional DGC leads to progressive dilated cardiomyopathy and premature death. Dystrophin functions as a molecular spring and the DGC plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the sarcolemma. Additionally, evidence is accumulating, linking the DGC to mechanosignalling, albeit this role is still less understood. This review article aims at providing an up-to-date perspective on the DGC and its role in mechanotransduction. We first discuss the intricate relationship between muscle cell mechanics and function, before examining the recent research for a role of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex in mechanotransduction and maintaining the biomechanical integrity of muscle cells. Finally, we review the current literature to map out how DGC signalling intersects with mechanical signalling pathways to highlight potential future points of intervention, especially with a focus on cardiomyopathies. A review of the function of the Dystrophic Glycoprotein Complex (DGC) in mechanosignaling provides an overview of the various components of DGC and potential mechanopathogenic mechanisms, particularly as they relate to muscular dystrophy.
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13
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Akhmanova A, Kapitein LC. Mechanisms of microtubule organization in differentiated animal cells. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:541-558. [PMID: 35383336 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00473-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules are polarized cytoskeletal filaments that serve as tracks for intracellular transport and form a scaffold that positions organelles and other cellular components and modulates cell shape and mechanics. In animal cells, the geometry, density and directionality of microtubule networks are major determinants of cellular architecture, polarity and proliferation. In dividing cells, microtubules form bipolar spindles that pull chromosomes apart, whereas in interphase cells, microtubules are organized in a cell type-specific fashion, which strongly correlates with cell physiology. In motile cells, such as fibroblasts and immune cells, microtubules are organized as radial asters, whereas in immotile epithelial and neuronal cells and in muscles, microtubules form parallel or antiparallel arrays and cortical meshworks. Here, we review recent work addressing how the formation of such microtubule networks is driven by the plethora of microtubule regulatory proteins. These include proteins that nucleate or anchor microtubule ends at different cellular structures and those that sever or move microtubules, as well as regulators of microtubule elongation, stability, bundling or modifications. The emerging picture, although still very incomplete, shows a remarkable diversity of cell-specific mechanisms that employ conserved building blocks to adjust microtubule organization in order to facilitate different cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Akhmanova
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Lukas C Kapitein
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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14
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Lindsay A, Trewin AJ, Sadler KJ, Laird C, Della Gatta PA, Russell AP. Sensitivity to behavioral stress impacts disease pathogenesis in dystrophin-deficient mice. FASEB J 2021; 35:e22034. [PMID: 34780665 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101163rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Mutation to the gene encoding dystrophin can cause Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and increase the sensitivity to stress in vertebrate species, including the mdx mouse model of DMD. Behavioral stressors can exacerbate some dystrophinopathy phenotypes of mdx skeletal muscle and cause hypotension-induced death. However, we have discovered that a subpopulation of mdx mice present with a wildtype-like response to mild (forced downhill treadmill exercise) and moderate (scruff restraint) behavioral stressors. These "stress-resistant" mdx mice are more physically active, capable of super-activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathways following behavioral stress and they express greater levels of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors in striated muscle relative to "stress-sensitive" mdx mice. Stress-resistant mdx mice also presented with a less severe striated muscle histopathology and greater exercise and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity at rest. Most interestingly, female mdx mice were more physically active following behavioral stressors compared to male mdx mice; a response abolished after ovariectomy and rescued with estradiol. We demonstrate that the response to behavioral stress greatly impacts disease severity in mdx mice suggesting the management of stress in patients with DMD be considered as a therapeutic approach to ameliorate disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus Lindsay
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adam J Trewin
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate J Sadler
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claire Laird
- Researcher Development, Deakin Research, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul A Della Gatta
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron P Russell
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Murgia M, Nogara L, Baraldo M, Reggiani C, Mann M, Schiaffino S. Protein profile of fiber types in human skeletal muscle: a single-fiber proteomics study. Skelet Muscle 2021; 11:24. [PMID: 34727990 PMCID: PMC8561870 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-021-00279-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human skeletal muscle is composed of three major fiber types, referred to as type 1, 2A, and 2X fibers. This heterogeneous cellular composition complicates the interpretation of studies based on whole skeletal muscle lysate. A single-fiber proteomics approach is required to obtain a fiber-type resolved quantitative information on skeletal muscle pathophysiology. METHODS Single fibers were dissected from vastus lateralis muscle biopsies of young adult males and processed for mass spectrometry-based single-fiber proteomics. We provide and analyze a resource dataset based on relatively pure fibers, containing at least 80% of either MYH7 (marker of slow type 1 fibers), MYH2 (marker of fast 2A fibers), or MYH1 (marker of fast 2X fibers). RESULTS In a dataset of more than 3800 proteins detected by single-fiber proteomics, we selected 404 proteins showing a statistically significant difference among fiber types. We identified numerous type 1 or 2X fiber type-specific protein markers, defined as proteins present at 3-fold or higher levels in these compared to other fiber types. In contrast, we could detect only two 2A-specific protein markers in addition to MYH2. We observed three other major patterns: proteins showing a differential distribution according to the sequence 1 > 2A > 2X or 2X > 2A > 1 and type 2-specific proteins expressed in 2A and 2X fibers at levels 3 times greater than in type 1 fibers. In addition to precisely quantifying known fiber type-specific protein patterns, our study revealed several novel features of fiber type specificity, including the selective enrichment of components of the dystrophin and integrin complexes, as well as microtubular proteins, in type 2X fibers. The fiber type-specific distribution of some selected proteins revealed by proteomics was validated by immunofluorescence analyses with specific antibodies. CONCLUSION We here show that numerous muscle proteins, including proteins whose function is unknown, are selectively enriched in specific fiber types, pointing to potential implications in muscle pathophysiology. This reinforces the notion that single-fiber proteomics, together with recently developed approaches to single-cell proteomics, will be instrumental to explore and quantify muscle cell heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Murgia
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy.
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Leonardo Nogara
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Martina Baraldo
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Reggiani
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
- Science and Research Center Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, 6000, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Matthias Mann
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
- NNF Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Wang H, Marrosu E, Brayson D, Wasala NB, Johnson EK, Scott CS, Yue Y, Hau KL, Trask AJ, Froehner SC, Adams ME, Zhang L, Duan D, Montanaro F. Proteomic analysis identifies key differences in the cardiac interactomes of dystrophin and micro-dystrophin. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:1321-1336. [PMID: 33949649 PMCID: PMC8255133 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
ΔR4-R23/ΔCT micro-dystrophin (μDys) is a miniaturized version of dystrophin currently evaluated in a Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene therapy trial to treat skeletal and cardiac muscle disease. In pre-clinical studies, μDys efficiently rescues cardiac histopathology, but only partially normalizes cardiac function. To gain insights into factors that may impact the cardiac therapeutic efficacy of μDys, we compared by mass spectrometry the composition of purified dystrophin and μDys protein complexes in the mouse heart. We report that compared to dystrophin, μDys has altered associations with α1- and β2-syntrophins, as well as cavins, a group of caveolae-associated signaling proteins. In particular, we found that membrane localization of cavin-1 and cavin-4 in cardiomyocytes requires dystrophin and is profoundly disrupted in the heart of mdx5cv mice, a model of DMD. Following cardiac stress/damage, membrane-associated cavin-4 recruits the signaling molecule ERK to caveolae, which activates key cardio-protective responses. Evaluation of ERK signaling revealed a profound inhibition, below physiological baseline, in the mdx5cv mouse heart. Expression of μDys in mdx5cv mice prevented the development of cardiac histopathology but did not rescue membrane localization of cavins nor did it normalize ERK signaling. Our study provides the first comparative analysis of purified protein complexes assembled in vivo by full-length dystrophin and a therapeutic micro-dystrophin construct. This has revealed disruptions in cavins and ERK signaling that may contribute to DMD cardiomyopathy. This new knowledge is important for ongoing efforts to prevent and treat heart disease in DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus OH 43205, USA.,Department of Pediatric Cardiology, China Medical University, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Elena Marrosu
- Developmental Neuroscience Research and Teaching Department, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Daniel Brayson
- Developmental Neuroscience Research and Teaching Department, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Nalinda B Wasala
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Eric K Johnson
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus OH 43205, USA
| | - Charlotte S Scott
- Developmental Neuroscience Research and Teaching Department, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Yongping Yue
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Kwan-Leong Hau
- Developmental Neuroscience Research and Teaching Department, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Aaron J Trask
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Stan C Froehner
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Marvin E Adams
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Liwen Zhang
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, Campus Chemical Instrument Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.,Department of Biomedical, Biological and Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Federica Montanaro
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus OH 43205, USA.,Developmental Neuroscience Research and Teaching Department, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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17
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Lindsay A, Holm J, Razzoli M, Bartolomucci A, Ervasti JM, Lowe DA. Some dystrophy phenotypes of dystrophin-deficient mdx mice are exacerbated by mild, repetitive daily stress. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21489. [PMID: 33734502 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002500r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Psychosocial stressors can cause physical inactivity, cardiac damage, and hypotension-induced death in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Because repeated exposure to mild stress can lead to habituation in wild-type mice, we investigated the response of mdx mice to a mild, daily stress to determine whether habituation occurred. Male mdx mice were exposed to a 30-sec scruff restraint daily for 12 weeks. Scruff restraint induced immediate physical inactivity that persisted for at least 60 minutes, and this inactivity response was just as robust after 12 weeks as it was after one day. Physical inactivity in the mdx mice was not associated with acute skeletal muscle contractile dysfunction. However, skeletal muscle of mdx mice that were repeatedly stressed had slow-twitch and tetanic relaxation times and trended toward high passive stiffness, possibly due to a small but significant increase in muscle fibrosis. Elevated urinary corticosterone secretion, adrenal hypertrophy, and a larger adrenal cortex indicating chronic activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis were measured in 12-week stressed mdx mice relative to those unstressed. However, pharmacological inhibition of the HPA axis did not affect scruff-induced physical inactivity and acute corticosterone injection did not recapitulate the scruff-induced phenotype, suggesting the HPA axis is not the driver of physical inactivity. Our results indicate that the response of mdx mice to an acute mild stress is non-habituating and that when that stressor is repeated daily for weeks, it is sufficient to exacerbate some phenotypes associated with dystrophinopathy in mdx mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus Lindsay
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - John Holm
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Maria Razzoli
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Alessandro Bartolomucci
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - James M Ervasti
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Dawn A Lowe
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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18
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Lindsay A, Kemp B, Larson AA, Baumann CW, McCourt PM, Holm J, Karachunski P, Lowe DA, Ervasti JM. Tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis and metabolism is impaired in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice and humans. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 231:e13627. [PMID: 33580591 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM Loss of dystrophin causes oxidative stress and affects nitric oxide synthase-mediated vascular function in striated muscle. Because tetrahydrobiopterin is an antioxidant and co-factor for nitric oxide synthase, we tested the hypothesis that tetrahydrobiopterin would be low in mdx mice and humans deficient for dystrophin. METHODS Tetrahydrobiopterin and its metabolites were measured at rest and in response to exercise in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy patients, age-matched male controls as well as wild-type, mdx and mdx mice transgenically overexpressing skeletal muscle-specific dystrophins. Mdx mice were also supplemented with tetrahydrobiopterin and pathophysiology was assessed. RESULTS Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients had lower urinary dihydrobiopterin + tetrahydrobiopterin/specific gravity1.020 compared to unaffected age-matched males and Becker muscular dystrophy patients. Mdx mice had low urinary and skeletal muscle dihydrobiopterin + tetrahydrobiopterin compared to wild-type mice. Overexpression of dystrophins that localize neuronal nitric oxide synthase restored dihydrobiopterin + tetrahydrobiopterin in mdx mice to wild-type levels while utrophin overexpression did not. Mdx mice and Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients did not increase tetrahydrobiopterin during exercise and in mdx mice tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency was likely because of lower levels of sepiapterin reductase in skeletal muscle. Tetrahydrobiopterin supplementation improved skeletal muscle strength, resistance to fatiguing and injurious contractions in vivo, increased utrophin and capillary density of skeletal muscle and lowered cardiac muscle fibrosis and left ventricular wall thickness in mdx mice. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that impaired tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis is associated with dystrophin loss and treatment with tetrahydrobiopterin improves striated muscle histopathology and skeletal muscle function in mdx mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus Lindsay
- Division of Rehabilitation Science and Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Bailey Kemp
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Cancer and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Alexie A Larson
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Cory W Baumann
- Division of Rehabilitation Science and Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Preston M McCourt
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - John Holm
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Cancer and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Peter Karachunski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Dawn A Lowe
- Division of Rehabilitation Science and Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - James M Ervasti
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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19
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Mendell JR, Sahenk Z, Lehman K, Nease C, Lowes LP, Miller NF, Iammarino MA, Alfano LN, Nicholl A, Al-Zaidy S, Lewis S, Church K, Shell R, Cripe LH, Potter RA, Griffin DA, Pozsgai E, Dugar A, Hogan M, Rodino-Klapac LR. Assessment of Systemic Delivery of rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin in Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. JAMA Neurol 2021; 77:1122-1131. [PMID: 32539076 PMCID: PMC7296461 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.1484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Question Is rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin gene transfer safe and well tolerated in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy? Findings In this nonrandomized controlled trial of 4 young patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin gene transfer was well tolerated, with minimal adverse events, and was associated with robust micro-dystrophin expression, reduced serum creatine kinase levels, and functional improvement as measured by the North Star Ambulatory Assessment. Meaning These results indicated the safe systemic delivery of micro-dystrophin transgene and targeted expression of functional micro-dystrophin protein product, suggesting the potential for rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin to provide clinically meaningful functional improvement that is greater than the standard of care. Importance Micro-dystrophin gene transfer shows promise for treating patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) using recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype rh74 (rAAVrh74) and codon-optimized human micro-dystrophin driven by a skeletal and cardiac muscle-specific promoter with enhanced cardiac expression (MHCK7). Objective To identify the 1-year safety and tolerability of intravenous rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin in patients with DMD. Design, Setting, and Participants This open-label, phase 1/2a nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. It began on November 2, 2017, with a planned duration of follow-up of 3 years, ending in March 2021. The first 4 patients who met eligibility criteria were enrolled, consisting of ambulatory male children with DMD without preexisting AAVrh74 antibodies and a stable corticosteroid dose (≥12 weeks). Interventions A single dose of 2.0 × 1014 vg/kg rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin was infused through a peripheral limb vein. Daily prednisolone, 1 mg/kg, started 1 day before gene delivery (30-day taper after infusion). Main Outcomes and Measures Safety was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included micro-dystrophin expression by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Functional outcomes measured by North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) and serum creatine kinase were exploratory outcomes. Results Four patients were included (mean [SD] age at enrollment, 4.8 [1.0] years). All adverse events (n = 53) were considered mild (33 [62%]) or moderate (20 [38%]), and no serious adverse events occurred. Eighteen adverse events were considered treatment related, the most common of which was vomiting (9 of 18 events [50%]). Three patients had transiently elevated γ-glutamyltransferase, which resolved with corticosteroids. At 12 weeks, immunohistochemistry of gastrocnemius muscle biopsy specimens revealed robust transgene expression in all patients, with a mean of 81.2% of muscle fibers expressing micro-dystrophin with a mean intensity of 96% at the sarcolemma. Western blot showed a mean expression of 74.3% without fat or fibrosis adjustment and 95.8% with adjustment. All patients had confirmed vector transduction and showed functional improvement of NSAA scores and reduced creatine kinase levels (posttreatment vs baseline) that were maintained for 1 year. Conclusions and Relevance This trial showed rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin to be well tolerated and have minimal adverse events; the safe delivery of micro-dystrophin transgene; the robust expression and correct localization of micro-dystrophin protein; and improvements in creatine kinase levels and NSAA scores. These findings suggest that rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin can provide functional improvement that is greater than that observed under standard of care. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03375164
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry R Mendell
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus.,Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Zarife Sahenk
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus.,Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Kelly Lehman
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Carrie Nease
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Linda P Lowes
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus.,Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Natalie F Miller
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Megan A Iammarino
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Lindsay N Alfano
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Amanda Nicholl
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Samiah Al-Zaidy
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Sarah Lewis
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Sarepta Therapeutics Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kathleen Church
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Richard Shell
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Linda H Cripe
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Rachael A Potter
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Sarepta Therapeutics Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Danielle A Griffin
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Sarepta Therapeutics Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Eric Pozsgai
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Sarepta Therapeutics Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ashish Dugar
- Sarepta Therapeutics Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Mark Hogan
- Department of Radiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Louise R Rodino-Klapac
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus.,Sarepta Therapeutics Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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20
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Cooper-Olson G, Rodino-Klapac LR, Potter RA. Evaluation of the Lipid-binding Properties of Recombinant Dystrophin Spectrin-like Repeat Domains R1-3. J Neuromuscul Dis 2021; 8:489-494. [PMID: 33780374 PMCID: PMC8385511 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-200622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant micro-dystrophin genes are designed to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by retaining dystrophin domains believed to play key functional roles while fitting the packaging capacity of adeno-associated virus vectors. Domains R1-3 are important for muscle force generation and for association with the sarcolemma, but the nature of this interaction is not fully understood. We measured lipid-binding affinity of 3 peptides containing different spectrin-like repeat modules (R1-3; R1-2; and R1, 2, 22). Lipid-binding affinity was highest with R1-3, suggesting that the complete R1-R3 region could be beneficial and should be considered for inclusion in micro-dystrophin constructs.
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21
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Hamm SE, Fathalikhani DD, Bukovec KE, Addington AK, Zhang H, Perry JB, McMillan RP, Lawlor MW, Prom MJ, Vanden Avond MA, Kumar SN, Coleman KE, Dupont JB, Mack DL, Brown DA, Morris CA, Gonzalez JP, Grange RW. Voluntary wheel running complements microdystrophin gene therapy to improve muscle function in mdx mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 21:144-160. [PMID: 33850950 PMCID: PMC8020351 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that voluntary wheel running would complement microdystrophin gene therapy to improve muscle function in young mdx mice, a model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. mdx mice injected with a single dose of AAV9-CK8-microdystrophin or vehicle at age 7 weeks were assigned to three groups: mdxRGT (run, gene therapy), mdxGT (no run, gene therapy), or mdx (no run, no gene therapy). Wild-type (WT) mice were assigned to WTR (run) and WT (no run) groups. WTR and mdxRGT performed voluntary wheel running for 21 weeks; remaining groups were cage active. Robust expression of microdystrophin occurred in heart and limb muscles of treated mice. mdxRGT versus mdxGT mice showed increased microdystrophin in quadriceps but decreased levels in diaphragm. mdx final treadmill fatigue time was depressed compared to all groups, improved in mdxGT, and highest in mdxRGT. Both weekly running distance (km) and final treadmill fatigue time for mdxRGT and WTR were similar. Remarkably, mdxRGT diaphragm power was only rescued to 60% of WT, suggesting a negative impact of running. However, potential changes in fiber type distribution in mdxRGT diaphragms could indicate an adaptation to trade power for endurance. Post-treatment in vivo maximal plantar flexor torque relative to baseline values was greater for mdxGT and mdxRGT versus all other groups. Mitochondrial respiration rates from red quadriceps fibers were significantly improved in mdxGT animals, but the greatest bioenergetic benefit was observed in the mdxRGT group. Additional assessments revealed partial to full functional restoration in mdxGT and mdxRGT muscles relative to WT. These data demonstrate that voluntary wheel running combined with microdystrophin gene therapy in young mdx mice improved whole-body performance, affected muscle function differentially, mitigated energetic deficits, but also revealed some detrimental effects of exercise. With microdystrophin gene therapy currently in clinical trials, these data may help us understand the potential impact of exercise in treated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby E Hamm
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise and Metabolism Core, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Daniel D Fathalikhani
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise and Metabolism Core, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Katherine E Bukovec
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise and Metabolism Core, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Adele K Addington
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise and Metabolism Core, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise and Metabolism Core, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Justin B Perry
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise and Metabolism Core, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Ryan P McMillan
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise and Metabolism Core, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Michael W Lawlor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Mariah J Prom
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Mark A Vanden Avond
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Suresh N Kumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Research Institute Imaging Core, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Kirsten E Coleman
- Powell Gene Therapy Center Toxicology Core, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - J B Dupont
- Translational Gene Therapy for Genetic Diseases, INSERM UMR1089, IRS2 Nantes Biotech, Université de Nantes, Nantes 44200, France
| | - David L Mack
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98107, USA
| | - David A Brown
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise and Metabolism Core, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | | | | | - Robert W Grange
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise and Metabolism Core, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
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22
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Potter RA, Griffin DA, Heller KN, Peterson EL, Clark EK, Mendell JR, Rodino-Klapac LR. Dose-Escalation Study of Systemically Delivered rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin in the mdx Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:375-389. [PMID: 33397205 PMCID: PMC8063270 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare, X-linked, fatal, degenerative neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the DMD gene. More than 2,000 mutations of the DMD gene are responsible for progressive loss of muscle strength, loss of ambulation, and generally respiratory and cardiac failure by age 30. Recently, gene transfer therapy has received widespread interest as a disease-modifying treatment for all patients with DMD. We designed an adeno-associated virus vector (rAAVrh74) containing a codon-optimized human micro-dystrophin transgene driven by a skeletal and cardiac muscle-specific promoter, MHCK7. To test the efficacy of rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin, we evaluated systemic injections in mdx (dystrophin-null) mice at low (2 × 1012 vector genome [vg] total dose, 8 × 1013 vg/kg), intermediate (6 × 1012 vg total dose, 2 × 1014 vg/kg), and high doses (1.2 × 1013 vg total dose, 6 × 1014 vg/kg). Three months posttreatment, specific force increased in the diaphragm (DIA) and tibialis anterior muscle, with intermediate and high doses eliciting force outputs at wild-type (WT) levels. Histological improvement included reductions in fibrosis and normalization of myofiber size, specifically in the DIA, where results for low and intermediate doses were not significantly different from the WT. Significant reduction in central nucleation was also observed, although complete normalization to WT was not seen. No vector-associated toxicity was reported either by clinical or organ-specific laboratory assessments or following formal histopathology. The findings in this preclinical study provided proof of principle for safety and efficacy of systemic delivery of rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin at high vector titers, supporting initiation of a Phase I/II safety study in boys with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael A Potter
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Danielle A Griffin
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kristin N Heller
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ellyn L Peterson
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Emma K Clark
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jerry R Mendell
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Louise R Rodino-Klapac
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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23
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Segatto M, Szokoll R, Fittipaldi R, Bottino C, Nevi L, Mamchaoui K, Filippakopoulos P, Caretti G. BETs inhibition attenuates oxidative stress and preserves muscle integrity in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6108. [PMID: 33257646 PMCID: PMC7705749 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19839-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) affects 1 in 3500 live male births. To date, there is no effective cure for DMD, and the identification of novel molecular targets involved in disease progression is important to design more effective treatments and therapies to alleviate DMD symptoms. Here, we show that protein levels of the Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) protein BRD4 are significantly increased in the muscle of the mouse model of DMD, the mdx mouse, and that pharmacological inhibition of the BET proteins has a beneficial outcome, tempering oxidative stress and muscle damage. Alterations in reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism are an early event in DMD onset and they are tightly linked to inflammation, fibrosis, and necrosis in skeletal muscle. By restoring ROS metabolism, BET inhibition ameliorates these hallmarks of the dystrophic muscle, translating to a beneficial effect on muscle function. BRD4 direct association to chromatin regulatory regions of the NADPH oxidase subunits increases in the mdx muscle and JQ1 administration reduces BRD4 and BRD2 recruitment at these regions. JQ1 treatment reduces NADPH subunit transcript levels in mdx muscles, isolated myofibers and DMD immortalized myoblasts. Our data highlight novel functions of the BET proteins in dystrophic skeletal muscle and suggest that BET inhibitors may ameliorate the pathophysiology of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Segatto
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, Pesche (Is), Italy
| | - Roberta Szokoll
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Fittipaldi
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Bottino
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Nevi
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, U974, Center for Research in Myology, 47 Boulevard de l'hôpital, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Panagis Filippakopoulos
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Old Road Campus Research Building, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Giuseppina Caretti
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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24
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Nelson DM, Fasbender EK, Jakubiak MC, Lindsay A, Lowe DA, Ervasti JM. Rapid, redox-mediated mechanical susceptibility of the cortical microtubule lattice in skeletal muscle. Redox Biol 2020; 37:101730. [PMID: 33002761 PMCID: PMC7527753 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The highly ordered cortical microtubule lattice of skeletal muscle is disorganized in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. Implicated mechanisms include loss of dystrophin binding, altered α-tubulin posttranslational modification, expression of a β-tubulin involved in regeneration, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here we show that the transverse microtubules in mdx muscle expressing miniaturized dystrophins are rapidly lost after eccentric contraction. Analysis of mdx lines expressing different dystrophin constructs demonstrate that spectrin-like repeats R4-15 and R20-23 were required for mechanically stable microtubules. Microtubule loss was prevented by the non-specific antioxidant N-acetylcysteine while inhibition of NADPH oxidase 2 had only a partial effect, suggesting that ROS from multiple sources mediate the rapid loss of transverse microtubules after eccentric contraction. Finally, ablation of α-dystrobrevin, β- or γ-cytoplasmic actin phenocopied the transverse microtubule instability of miniaturized dystrophins. Our data demonstrate that multiple dystrophin domains, α-dystrobrevin and cytoplasmic actins are necessary for mechanically stable microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- D'anna M Nelson
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Elizabeth K Fasbender
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Margurite C Jakubiak
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Angus Lindsay
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Dawn A Lowe
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - James M Ervasti
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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25
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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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26
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Lindsay A, Chamberlain CM, Witthuhn BA, Lowe DA, Ervasti JM. Dystrophinopathy-associated dysfunction of Krebs cycle metabolism. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:942-951. [PMID: 30476171 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a deadly muscle-wasting disorder caused by loss of dystrophin protein. Studies suggest that metabolic alterations are important to disease pathogenesis. Because muscle accounts for ~40% of body mass, we hypothesized that dystrophy-mediated metabolic changes would be measurable in biofluids and that a metabolomic analysis of urine would provide insight into the metabolic status of dystrophic muscle. Using the mdx mouse model, we performed a large-scale metabolomic screen at 1 and 3 months. While 10% of metabolites were altered at age 1 month, 40% were changed at 3 months. Principal component analysis distinguished wild-type from mdx animals, with the greatest separation at 3 months. A critical distinguishing pathway was Krebs cycle metabolite depletion in mdx urine. Five of seven detected Krebs cycle metabolites were depleted in mdx urine, with succinate being the most robustly affected metabolite. Using selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry, we demonstrated that muscle-specific dystrophin expression corrects mdx succinate depletion. When subjected to downhill treadmill running, wild-type and mdx mice expressing recombinant dystrophin in skeletal muscle displayed significant increases in urinary succinate levels. However, mdx succinate levels were unchanged, suggesting urinary succinate depletion may reflect an inability to upregulate the Krebs cycle following exercise. Finally, we show that supplementing the Krebs cycle in an ex vivo fatigue/recovery assay significantly impacts mdx muscle performance but has no effect on wild-type muscle. Our results suggest that global metabolic impairment is associated with mdx disease progression and that Krebs cycle deficiencies are a downstream consequence of dystrophin loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus Lindsay
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Division of Rehabilitation Science and Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Christopher M Chamberlain
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Bruce A Witthuhn
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Dawn A Lowe
- Division of Rehabilitation Science and Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - James M Ervasti
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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27
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Lindsay A, Baumann CW, Rebbeck RT, Yuen SL, Southern WM, Hodges JS, Cornea RL, Thomas DD, Ervasti JM, Lowe DA. Mechanical factors tune the sensitivity of mdx muscle to eccentric strength loss and its protection by antioxidant and calcium modulators. Skelet Muscle 2020; 10:3. [PMID: 32007101 PMCID: PMC6995146 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-020-0221-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dystrophin deficiency sensitizes skeletal muscle of mice to eccentric contraction (ECC)-induced strength loss. ECC protocols distinguish dystrophin-deficient from healthy, wild type muscle, and test the efficacy of therapeutics for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, given the large lab-to-lab variability in ECC-induced strength loss of dystrophin-deficient mouse skeletal muscle (10–95%), mechanical factors of the contraction likely impact the degree of loss. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which mechanical variables impact sensitivity of dystrophin-deficient mouse skeletal muscle to ECC. Methods We completed ex vivo and in vivo muscle preparations of the dystrophin-deficient mdx mouse and designed ECC protocols within physiological ranges of contractile parameters (length change, velocity, contraction duration, and stimulation frequencies). To determine whether these contractile parameters affected known factors associated with ECC-induced strength loss, we measured sarcolemmal damage after ECC as well as strength loss in the presence of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and small molecule calcium modulators that increase SERCA activity (DS-11966966 and CDN1163) or lower calcium leak from the ryanodine receptor (Chloroxine and Myricetin). Results The magnitude of length change, work, and stimulation duration ex vivo and in vivo of an ECC were the most important determinants of strength loss in mdx muscle. Passive lengthening and submaximal stimulations did not induce strength loss. We further showed that sarcolemmal permeability was associated with muscle length change, but it only accounted for a minimal fraction (21%) of the total strength loss (70%). The magnitude of length change also significantly influenced the degree to which NAC and small molecule calcium modulators protected against ECC-induced strength loss. Conclusions These results indicate that ECC-induced strength loss of mdx skeletal muscle is dependent on the mechanical properties of the contraction and that mdx muscle is insensitive to ECC at submaximal stimulation frequencies. Rigorous design of ECC protocols is critical for effective use of strength loss as a readout in evaluating potential therapeutics for muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus Lindsay
- Division of Rehabilitation Science and Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, MMC 388, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, 55455, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, 6-155 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, 55455, USA.,Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Cory W Baumann
- Division of Rehabilitation Science and Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, MMC 388, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, 55455, USA
| | - Robyn T Rebbeck
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, 6-155 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, 55455, USA
| | - Samantha L Yuen
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, 6-155 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, 55455, USA
| | - William M Southern
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, 6-155 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, 55455, USA
| | - James S Hodges
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, A460 Mayo Building, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, 55455, USA
| | - Razvan L Cornea
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, 6-155 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, 55455, USA
| | - David D Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, 6-155 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, 55455, USA
| | - James M Ervasti
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, 6-155 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, 55455, USA
| | - Dawn A Lowe
- Division of Rehabilitation Science and Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, MMC 388, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, 55455, USA.
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28
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Caporizzo MA, Chen CY, Prosser BL. Cardiac microtubules in health and heart disease. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2019; 244:1255-1272. [PMID: 31398994 DOI: 10.1177/1535370219868960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyocytes are large (∼40,000 µm3), rod-shaped muscle cells that provide the working force behind each heartbeat. These highly structured cells are packed with dense cytoskeletal networks that can be divided into two groups—the contractile (i.e. sarcomeric) cytoskeleton that consists of filamentous actin-myosin arrays organized into myofibrils, and the non-sarcomeric cytoskeleton, which is composed of β- and γ-actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Together, microtubules and intermediate filaments form a cross-linked scaffold, and these networks are responsible for the delivery of intracellular cargo, the transmission of mechanical signals, the shaping of membrane systems, and the organization of myofibrils and organelles. Microtubules are extensively altered as part of both adaptive and pathological cardiac remodeling, which has diverse ramifications for the structure and function of the cardiomyocyte. In heart failure, the proliferation and post-translational modification of the microtubule network is linked to a number of maladaptive processes, including the mechanical impediment of cardiomyocyte contraction and relaxation. This raises the possibility that reversing microtubule alterations could improve cardiac performance, yet therapeutic efforts will strongly benefit from a deeper understanding of basic microtubule biology in the heart. The aim of this review is to summarize the known physiological roles of the cardiomyocyte microtubule network, the consequences of its pathological remodeling, and to highlight the open and intriguing questions regarding cardiac microtubules. Impact statement Advancements in cell biological and biophysical approaches and super-resolution imaging have greatly broadened our view of tubulin biology over the last decade. In the heart, microtubules and microtubule-based transport help to organize and maintain key structures within the cardiomyocyte, including the sarcomere, intercalated disc, protein clearance machinery and transverse-tubule and sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes. It has become increasingly clear that post translational regulation of microtubules is a key determinant of their sub-cellular functionality. Alterations in microtubule network density, stability, and post-translational modifications are hallmarks of pathological cardiac remodeling, and modified microtubules can directly impede cardiomyocyte contractile function in various forms of heart disease. This review summarizes the functional roles and multi-leveled regulation of the cardiac microtubule cytoskeleton and highlights how refined experimental techniques are shedding mechanistic clarity on the regionally specified roles of microtubules in cardiac physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Caporizzo
- Department of Physiology, Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christina Yingxian Chen
- Department of Physiology, Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Benjamin L Prosser
- Department of Physiology, Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Penn Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Randazzo D, Khalique U, Belanto JJ, Kenea A, Talsness DM, Olthoff JT, Tran MD, Zaal KJ, Pak K, Pinal-Fernandez I, Mammen AL, Sackett D, Ervasti JM, Ralston E. Persistent upregulation of the β-tubulin tubb6, linked to muscle regeneration, is a source of microtubule disorganization in dystrophic muscle. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:1117-1135. [PMID: 30535187 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In healthy adult skeletal muscle fibers microtubules form a three-dimensional grid-like network. In the mdx mouse, a model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), microtubules are mostly disordered, without periodicity. These microtubule defects have been linked to the mdx mouse pathology. We now report that increased expression of the beta 6 class V β-tubulin (tubb6) contributes to the microtubule changes of mdx muscles. Wild-type muscle fibers overexpressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tubb6 (but not GFP-tubb5) have disorganized microtubules whereas mdx muscle fibers depleted of tubb6 (but not of tubb5) normalize their microtubules, suggesting that increasing tubb6 is toxic. However, tubb6 increases spontaneously during differentiation of mouse and human muscle cultures. Furthermore, endogenous tubb6 is not uniformly expressed in mdx muscles but is selectively increased in fiber clusters, which we identify as regenerating. Similarly, mdx-based rescued transgenic mice that retain a higher than expected tubb6 level show focal expression of tubb6 in subsets of fibers. Tubb6 is also upregulated in cardiotoxin-induced mouse muscle regeneration, in human myositis and DMD biopsies, and the tubb6 level correlates with that of embryonic myosin heavy chain, a regeneration marker. In conclusion, modulation of a β-tubulin isotype plays a role in muscle differentiation and regeneration. Increased tubb6 expression and microtubule reorganization are not pathological per se but reflect a return to an earlier developmental stage. However, chronic elevation of tubb6, as occurs in the mdx mouse, may contribute to the repeated cycles of regeneration and to the pathology of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Randazzo
- Light Imaging Section, Office of Science and Technology, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Umara Khalique
- Light Imaging Section, Office of Science and Technology, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joseph J Belanto
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, and Program in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, and Genetics, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Aster Kenea
- Light Imaging Section, Office of Science and Technology, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dana M Talsness
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, and Program in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, and Genetics, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - John T Olthoff
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, and Program in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, and Genetics, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Michelle D Tran
- Light Imaging Section, Office of Science and Technology, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kristien J Zaal
- Light Imaging Section, Office of Science and Technology, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katherine Pak
- Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation, Muscle Disease Unit, NIAMS, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Iago Pinal-Fernandez
- Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation, Muscle Disease Unit, NIAMS, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew L Mammen
- Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation, Muscle Disease Unit, NIAMS, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dan Sackett
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James M Ervasti
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, and Program in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, and Genetics, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Evelyn Ralston
- Light Imaging Section, Office of Science and Technology, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
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30
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Iyer SR, Shah SB, Ward CW, Stains JP, Spangenburg EE, Folker ES, Lovering RM. Differential YAP nuclear signaling in healthy and dystrophic skeletal muscle. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2019; 317:C48-C57. [PMID: 30995108 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00432.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical forces regulate muscle development, hypertrophy, and homeostasis. Force-transmitting structures allow mechanotransduction at the sarcolemma, cytoskeleton, and nuclear envelope. There is growing evidence that Yes-associated protein (YAP) serves as a nuclear relay of mechanical signals and can induce a range of downstream signaling cascades. Dystrophin is a sarcolemma-associated protein, and its absence underlies the pathology in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We tested the hypothesis that the absence of dystrophin in muscle would result in reduced YAP signaling in response to loading. Following in vivo contractile loading in muscles of healthy (wild-type; WT) mice and mice lacking dystrophin (mdx), we performed Western blots of whole and fractionated muscle homogenates to examine the ratio of phospho (cytoplasmic) YAP to total YAP and nuclear YAP, respectively. We show that in vivo contractile loading induced a robust increase in YAP expression and its nuclear localization in WT muscles. Surprisingly, in mdx muscles, active YAP expression was constitutively elevated and unresponsive to load. Results from qRT-PCR analysis support the hyperactivation of YAP in vivo in mdx muscles, as evidenced by increased gene expression of YAP downstream targets. In vitro assays of isolated myofibers plated on substrates with high stiffness showed YAP nuclear labeling for both genotypes, indicating functional YAP signaling in mdx muscles. We conclude that while YAP signaling can occur in the absence of dystrophin, dystrophic muscles have altered mechanotransduction, whereby constitutively active YAP results in a failure to respond to load, which could be attributed to the increased state of "pre-stress" with increased cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shama R Iyer
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sameer B Shah
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Diego , La Jolla, California.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego , La Jolla, California
| | - Christopher W Ward
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joseph P Stains
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Espen E Spangenburg
- Department of Physiology, East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University , Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Eric S Folker
- Department of Biology, Boston College , Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
| | - Richard M Lovering
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
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31
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Lindsay A, Southern WM, McCourt PM, Larson AA, Hodges JS, Lowe DA, Ervasti JM. Variable cytoplasmic actin expression impacts the sensitivity of different dystrophin-deficient mdx skeletal muscles to eccentric contraction. FEBS J 2019; 286:2562-2576. [PMID: 30942954 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Eccentric contractions (ECCs) induce force loss in several skeletal muscles of dystrophin-deficient mice (mdx), with the exception of the soleus (Sol). The eccentric force : isometric force (ECC : ISO), expression level of utrophin, fiber type distribution, and sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase expression are factors that differ between muscles and may contribute to the sensitivity of mdx skeletal muscle to ECC. Here, we confirm that the Sol of mdx mice loses only 13% force compared to 87% in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) following 10 ECC of isolated muscles. The Sol has a greater proportion of fibers expressing Type I myosin heavy chain (MHC) and expresses 2.3-fold more utrophin compared to the EDL. To examine the effect of ECC : ISO, we show that the mdx Sol is insensitive to ECC at ECC : ISO up to 230 ± 15%. We show that the peroneus longus (PL) muscle presents with similar ECC : ISO compared to the EDL, intermediate force loss (68%) following 10 ECC, and intermediate fiber type distribution and utrophin expression relative to EDL and Sol. The combined absence of utrophin and dystrophin in mdx/utrophin-/- mice rendered the Sol only partially susceptible to ECC and exacerbated force loss in the EDL and PL. Most interestingly, the expression levels of cytoplasmic β- and γ-actins correlate inversely with a given muscle's sensitivity to ECC; EDL < PL < Sol. Our data indicate that fiber type, utrophin, and cytoplasmic actin expression all contribute to the differential sensitivities of mdxEDL, PL, and Sol muscles to ECC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus Lindsay
- Division of Rehabilitation Science and Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - William M Southern
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Preston M McCourt
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Alexie A Larson
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - James S Hodges
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Dawn A Lowe
- Division of Rehabilitation Science and Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - James M Ervasti
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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32
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Ramos JN, Hollinger K, Bengtsson NE, Allen JM, Hauschka SD, Chamberlain JS. Development of Novel Micro-dystrophins with Enhanced Functionality. Mol Ther 2019; 27:623-635. [PMID: 30718090 PMCID: PMC6403485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors have advanced into clinical trials for several diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). A limitation of AAV is the carrying capacity (∼5 kb) available for genes and regulatory cassettes (RCs). These size constraints are problematic for the 2.2-Mb dystrophin gene. We previously designed a variety of miniaturized micro-dystrophins (μDys) that displayed significant, albeit incomplete, function in striated muscles. To develop μDys proteins with improved performance, we explored structural modifications of the dystrophin central rod domain. Eight μDys variants were studied that carried unique combinations of between four and six of the 24 spectrin-like repeats present in the full-length protein, as well as various hinge domains. Expression of μDys was regulated by a strong but compact muscle-restricted RC (CK8e) or by the ubiquitously active cytomegalovirus (CMV) RC. Vectors were evaluated by intramuscular injection and systemic delivery to dystrophic mdx4cv mice, followed by analysis of skeletal muscle pathophysiology. Two μDys designs were identified that led to increased force generation compared with previous μDys while also localizing neuronal nitric oxide synthase to the sarcolemma. An AAV vector expressing the smaller of these (μDys5) from the CK8e RC is currently being evaluated in a DMD clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian N Ramos
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Katrin Hollinger
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Niclas E Bengtsson
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - James M Allen
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Stephen D Hauschka
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Chamberlain
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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33
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Abstract
Dystrophin is the largest protein isoform (427 kDa) expressed from the gene defective in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a lethal muscle-wasting and genetically inherited disease. Dystrophin, localized within a cytoplasmic lattice termed costameres, connects the intracellular cytoskeleton of a myofiber through the cell membrane (sarcolemma) to the surrounding extracellular matrix. In spite of its mechanical regulation roles in stabilizing the sarcolemma during muscle contraction, the underlying molecular mechanism is still elusive. Here, we systematically investigated the mechanical stability and kinetics of the force-bearing central domain of human dystrophin that contains 24 spectrin repeats using magnetic tweezers. We show that the stochastic unfolding and refolding of central domain of dystrophin is able to keep the forces below 25 pN over a significant length change up to ∼800 nm in physiological level of pulling speeds. These results suggest that dystrophin may serve as a molecular shock absorber that defines the physiological level of force in the dystrophin-mediated force-transmission pathway during muscle contraction/stretch, thereby stabilizing the sarcolemma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Le
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117551
| | - Miao Yu
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411
| | - Ladislav Hovan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411
| | - Zhihai Zhao
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117551
| | - James Ervasti
- College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, MN, USA, 55455
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117551
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411
- Centre for BioImaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117546
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34
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Lindsay A, Larson AA, Verma M, Ervasti JM, Lowe DA. Isometric resistance training increases strength and alters histopathology of dystrophin-deficient mouse skeletal muscle. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018; 126:363-375. [PMID: 30571283 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00948.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutation to the dystrophin gene causes skeletal muscle weakness in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) or Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). Deliberation continues regarding implications of prescribing exercise for these patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether isometric resistance exercise (~10 tetanic contractions/session) improves skeletal muscle strength and histopathology in the mdx mouse model of DMD. Three isometric training sessions increased in vivo isometric torque (22%) and contractility rates (54%) of anterior crural muscles of mdx mice. Mice expressing a BMD-causing missense mutated dystrophin on the mdx background showed comparable increases in torque (22%), while wild-type mice showed less change (11%). Increases in muscle function occurred within 1 h and peaked 3 days posttraining; however, the adaptation was lost after 7 days unless retrained. Six isometric training sessions over 4 wk caused increased isometric torque (28%) and contractility rates (22-28%), reduced fibrosis, as well as greater uniformity of fiber cross-sectional areas, fewer embryonic myosin heavy-chain-positive fibers, and more satellite cells in tibialis anterior muscle compared with the contralateral untrained muscle. Ex vivo functional analysis of isolated extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle from the trained hindlimb revealed greater absolute isometric force, lower passive stiffness, and a lower susceptibility to eccentric contraction-induced force loss compared with untrained EDL muscle. Overall, these data support the concept that exercise training in the form of isometric tetanic contractions can improve contractile function of dystrophin-deficient muscle, indicating a potential role for enhancing muscle strength in patients with DMD and BMD. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We focused on adaptive responses of dystrophin-deficient mouse skeletal muscle to isometric contraction training and report that in the absence of dystrophin (or in the presence of a mutated dystrophin), strength and muscle histopathology are improved. Results suggest that the strength gains are associated with fiber hypertrophy, reduced fibrosis, increased number of satellite cells, and blunted eccentric contraction-induced force loss in vitro. Importantly, there was no indication that the isometric exercise training was deleterious to dystrophin-deficient muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus Lindsay
- Division of Rehabilitation Science and Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Alexie A Larson
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Mayank Verma
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Minnesota Medical School , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - James M Ervasti
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Dawn A Lowe
- Division of Rehabilitation Science and Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Lindsay A, McCourt PM, Karachunski P, Lowe DA, Ervasti JM. Xanthine oxidase is hyper-active in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Free Radic Biol Med 2018; 129:364-371. [PMID: 30312761 PMCID: PMC6599518 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2018.10.404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Generation of superoxide by xanthine oxidase can be stimulated under ischemic and aberrant calcium homeostasis. Because patients and mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) suffer from ischemia and excessive calcium influx, we tested the hypothesis that xanthine oxidase activity is elevated and contributes to disease pathology. Xanthine oxidase activity was measured by urinary isoxanthopterin in DMD patients at rest and in response to exercise. Urinary isoxanthopterin/creatinine was elevated compared to age-matched controls and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) patients. Concentrations were also increased after a six minute walk test in ambulatory patients. We also measured urinary isoxanthopterin in wildtype mice and a number of dystrophic mouse models; the DMD mouse model (mdx), mdx mice overexpressing a variety of transgenic miniaturized and chimeric skeletal muscle-specific dystrophins and utrophin and the β-sarcoglycan deficient (Scgb-/-) mouse which represents type 2E human limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. Mdx and Scgb-/-mice had greater urinary isoxanthopterin/creatinine than wildtype mice while mdx mice expressing dystrophin or utrophin linking the extracellular matrix to the actin cytoskeleton were not different than wildtype. We also measured higher levels of urinary ortho-tyrosine in humans and mice deficient for dystrophin to confirm elevated oxidative stress. Surprisingly, mdx had lower xanthine oxidase protein levels and higher mRNA in gastrocnemius muscle compared to wildtype mice, however, the enzymatic activity of skeletal muscle xanthine oxidase was elevated above wildtype and a transgenic rescued mdx mouse (DysΔMTB-mdx). Downhill treadmill running also caused significant increases in mdx urinary isoxanthopterin that was prevented with the xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol. Similarly, in vitro eccentric contraction-induced force drop of mdx muscle was attenuated by the allopurinol metabolite, oxypurinol. Together, our data suggests hyper-activity of xanthine oxidase in DMD, identifies xanthine oxidase activity as a contributing factor in eccentric contraction-induced force drop of dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle and highlights the potential of isoxanthopterin as a noninvasive biomarker in DMD.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Allopurinol/pharmacology
- Animals
- Biomarkers/urine
- Case-Control Studies
- Creatinine/urine
- Dystrophin/deficiency
- Dystrophin/genetics
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred mdx
- Muscle Contraction/drug effects
- Muscle, Skeletal/drug effects
- Muscle, Skeletal/enzymology
- Muscle, Skeletal/physiopathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/drug therapy
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/enzymology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/physiopathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/drug therapy
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/enzymology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/physiopathology
- Oxypurinol/pharmacology
- Sarcoglycans/deficiency
- Sarcoglycans/genetics
- Tyrosine/urine
- Utrophin/deficiency
- Utrophin/genetics
- Xanthine Oxidase/genetics
- Xanthine Oxidase/urine
- Xanthopterin/urine
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus Lindsay
- Division of Rehabilitation Science and Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.
| | - Preston M McCourt
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Peter Karachunski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Dawn A Lowe
- Division of Rehabilitation Science and Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - James M Ervasti
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
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Olthoff JT, Lindsay A, Abo-Zahrah R, Baltgalvis KA, Patrinostro X, Belanto JJ, Yu DY, Perrin BJ, Garry DJ, Rodney GG, Lowe DA, Ervasti JM. Loss of peroxiredoxin-2 exacerbates eccentric contraction-induced force loss in dystrophin-deficient muscle. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5104. [PMID: 30504831 PMCID: PMC6269445 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07639-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Force loss in skeletal muscle exposed to eccentric contraction is often attributed to injury. We show that EDL muscles from dystrophin-deficient mdx mice recover 65% of lost force within 120 min of eccentric contraction and exhibit minimal force loss when the interval between contractions is increased from 3 to 30 min. A proteomic screen of mdx muscle identified an 80% reduction in the antioxidant peroxiredoxin-2, likely due to proteolytic degradation following hyperoxidation by NADPH Oxidase 2. Eccentric contraction-induced force loss in mdx muscle was exacerbated by peroxiredoxin-2 ablation, and improved by peroxiredoxin-2 overexpression or myoglobin knockout. Finally, overexpression of γcyto- or βcyto-actin protects mdx muscle from eccentric contraction-induced force loss by blocking NADPH Oxidase 2 through a mechanism dependent on cysteine 272 unique to cytoplasmic actins. Our data suggest that eccentric contraction-induced force loss may function as an adaptive circuit breaker that protects mdx muscle from injurious contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T Olthoff
- Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, and Genetics Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Angus Lindsay
- Divisions of Rehabilitation Science and Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Reem Abo-Zahrah
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kristen A Baltgalvis
- Divisions of Rehabilitation Science and Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Xiaobai Patrinostro
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Joseph J Belanto
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Dae-Yeul Yu
- Aging Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Benjamin J Perrin
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46022, USA
| | - Daniel J Garry
- Lillehei Heart Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - George G Rodney
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dawn A Lowe
- Divisions of Rehabilitation Science and Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - James M Ervasti
- Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, and Genetics Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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Duchêne BL, Cherif K, Iyombe-Engembe JP, Guyon A, Rousseau J, Ouellet DL, Barbeau X, Lague P, Tremblay JP. CRISPR-Induced Deletion with SaCas9 Restores Dystrophin Expression in Dystrophic Models In Vitro and In Vivo. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2604-2616. [PMID: 30195724 PMCID: PMC6224775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe hereditary disease affecting 1 in 3,500 boys, mainly results from the deletion of exon(s), leading to a reading frameshift of the DMD gene that abrogates dystrophin protein synthesis. Pairs of sgRNAs for the Cas9 of Staphylococcus aureus were meticulously chosen to restore a normal reading frame and also produce a dystrophin protein with normally phased spectrin-like repeats (SLRs), which is not usually obtained by skipping or by deletion of complete exons. This can, however, be obtained in rare instances where the exon and intron borders of the beginning and the end of the complete deletion (patient deletion plus CRISPR-induced deletion) are at similar positions in the SLR. We used pairs of sgRNAs targeting exons 47 and 58, and a normal reading frame was restored in myoblasts derived from muscle biopsies of 4 DMD patients with different exon deletions. Restoration of the DMD reading frame and restoration of dystrophin expression were also obtained in vivo in the heart of the del52hDMD/mdx. Our results provide a proof of principle that SaCas9 could be used to edit the human DMD gene and could be considered for further development of a therapy for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L Duchêne
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Neurosciences Axis, Québec City, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Khadija Cherif
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Neurosciences Axis, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Paul Iyombe-Engembe
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Neurosciences Axis, Québec City, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Antoine Guyon
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Neurosciences Axis, Québec City, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Joel Rousseau
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Neurosciences Axis, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Dominique L Ouellet
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Neurosciences Axis, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Xavier Barbeau
- Proteo and IBIS, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Laval University, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick Lague
- Proteo and IBIS, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Laval University, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques P Tremblay
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Neurosciences Axis, Québec City, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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Duan D. Systemic AAV Micro-dystrophin Gene Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2337-2356. [PMID: 30093306 PMCID: PMC6171037 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal muscle disease caused by dystrophin gene mutation. Conceptually, replacing the mutated gene with a normal one would cure the disease. However, this task has encountered significant challenges due to the enormous size of the gene and the distribution of muscle throughout the body. The former creates a hurdle for viral vector packaging and the latter begs for whole-body therapy. To address these obstacles, investigators have invented the highly abbreviated micro-dystrophin gene and developed body-wide systemic gene transfer with adeno-associated virus (AAV). Numerous microgene configurations and various AAV serotypes have been explored in animal models in many laboratories. Preclinical data suggests that intravascular AAV micro-dystrophin delivery can significantly ameliorate muscle pathology, enhance muscle force, and attenuate dystrophic cardiomyopathy in animals. Against this backdrop, several clinical trials have been initiated to test the safety and tolerability of this promising therapy in DMD patients. While these trials are not powered to reach a conclusion on clinical efficacy, findings will inform the field on the prospects of body-wide DMD therapy with a synthetic micro-dystrophin AAV vector. This review discusses the history, current status, and future directions of systemic AAV micro-dystrophin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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