1
|
Roger AL, Biswas DD, Huston ML, Le D, Bailey AM, Pucci LA, Shi Y, Robinson-Hamm J, Gersbach CA, ElMallah MK. Respiratory Characterization of a Humanized Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Mouse Model. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2024:104282. [PMID: 38782084 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2024.104282] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common X-linked disease. DMD is caused by a lack of dystrophin, a critical structural protein in striated muscle. Dystrophin deficiency leads to inflammation, fibrosis, and muscle atrophy. Boys with DMD have progressive muscle weakness within the diaphragm that results in respiratory failure in the 2nd or 3rd decade of life. The most common DMD mouse model - the mdx mouse - is not sufficient for evaluating genetic medicines that specifically target the human DMD (hDMD) gene sequence. Therefore, a novel transgenic mouse carrying the hDMD gene with an exon 52 deletion was created (hDMDΔ52;mdx). We characterized the respiratory function and pathology in this model using whole body plethysmography, histology, and immunohistochemistry. At 6-months-old, hDMDΔ52;mdx mice have reduced maximal respiration, neuromuscular junction pathology, and fibrosis throughout the diaphragm, which worsens at 12-months-old. In conclusion, the hDMDΔ52;mdx exhibits moderate respiratory pathology, and serves as a relevant animal model to study the impact of novel genetic therapies, including gene editing, on respiratory function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela L Roger
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | | | - Davina Le
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Aidan M Bailey
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Logan A Pucci
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Yihan Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Charles A Gersbach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Mai K ElMallah
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Poukalov KK, Valero MC, Muscato DR, Adams LM, Chun H, Lee YI, Andrade NS, Zeier Z, Sweeney HL, Wang ET. Myospreader improves gene editing in skeletal muscle by myonuclear propagation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321438121. [PMID: 38687782 PMCID: PMC11087771 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321438121] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Successful CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in skeletal muscle is dependent on efficient propagation of Cas9 to all myonuclei in the myofiber. However, nuclear-targeted gene therapy cargos are strongly restricted to their myonuclear domain of origin. By screening nuclear localization signals and nuclear export signals, we identify "Myospreader," a combination of short peptide sequences that promotes myonuclear propagation. Appending Myospreader to Cas9 enhances protein stability and myonuclear propagation in myoblasts and myofibers. AAV-delivered Myospreader dCas9 better inhibits transcription of toxic RNA in a myotonic dystrophy mouse model. Furthermore, Myospreader Cas9 achieves higher rates of gene editing in CRISPR reporter and Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse models. Myospreader reveals design principles relevant to all nuclear-targeted gene therapies and highlights the importance of the spatial dimension in therapeutic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiril K. Poukalov
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - M. Carmen Valero
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Derek R. Muscato
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Leanne M. Adams
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Heejae Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Young il Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Nadja S. Andrade
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL33136
| | - Zane Zeier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL33136
| | - H. Lee Sweeney
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Eric T. Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Long AM, Kwon JM, Lee G, Reiser NL, Vaught LA, O'Brien JG, Page PGT, Hadhazy M, Reynolds JC, Crosbie RH, Demonbreun AR, McNally EM. The extracellular matrix differentially directs myoblast motility and differentiation in distinct forms of muscular dystrophy: Dystrophic matrices alter myoblast motility. Matrix Biol 2024; 129:44-58. [PMID: 38582404 PMCID: PMC11104166 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.04.001] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) pathologic remodeling underlies many disorders, including muscular dystrophy. Tissue decellularization removes cellular components while leaving behind ECM components. We generated "on-slide" decellularized tissue slices from genetically distinct dystrophic mouse models. The ECM of dystrophin- and sarcoglycan-deficient muscles had marked thrombospondin 4 deposition, while dysferlin-deficient muscle had excess decorin. Annexins A2 and A6 were present on all dystrophic decellularized ECMs, but annexin matrix deposition was excessive in dysferlin-deficient muscular dystrophy. Muscle-directed viral expression of annexin A6 resulted in annexin A6 in the ECM. C2C12 myoblasts seeded onto decellularized matrices displayed differential myoblast mobility and fusion. Dystrophin-deficient decellularized matrices inhibited myoblast mobility, while dysferlin-deficient decellularized matrices enhanced myoblast movement and differentiation. Myoblasts treated with recombinant annexin A6 increased mobility and fusion like that seen on dysferlin-deficient decellularized matrix and demonstrated upregulation of ECM and muscle cell differentiation genes. These findings demonstrate specific fibrotic signatures elicit effects on myoblast activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee M Long
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jason M Kwon
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - GaHyun Lee
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nina L Reiser
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Lauren A Vaught
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Joseph G O'Brien
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Patrick G T Page
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Michele Hadhazy
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Joseph C Reynolds
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Neurology David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rachelle H Crosbie
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Neurology David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alexis R Demonbreun
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Elizabeth M McNally
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mariano CG, de Oliveira VC, Ambrósio CE. Gene editing in small and large animals for translational medicine: a review. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20230089. [PMID: 38628493 PMCID: PMC11019828 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a simpler and more versatile method compared to other engineered nucleases such as Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) and Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs), and since its discovery, the efficiency of CRISPR-based genome editing has increased to the point that multiple and different types of edits can be made simultaneously. These advances in gene editing have revolutionized biotechnology by enabling precise genome editing with greater simplicity and efficacy than ever before. This tool has been successfully applied to a wide range of animal species, including cattle, pigs, dogs, and other small animals. Engineered nucleases cut the genome at specific target positions, triggering the cell's mechanisms to repair the damage and introduce a mutation to a specific genomic site. This review discusses novel genome-based CRISPR/Cas9 editing tools, methods developed to improve efficiency and specificity, the use of gene-editing on animal models and translational medicine, and the main challenges and limitations of CRISPR-based gene-editing approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clésio Gomes Mariano
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Vanessa Cristina de Oliveira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Ambrósio
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gharibi S, Vaillend C, Lindsay A. The unconditioned fear response in vertebrates deficient in dystrophin. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 235:102590. [PMID: 38484964 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102590] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Dystrophin loss due to mutations in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene is associated with a wide spectrum of neurocognitive comorbidities, including an aberrant unconditioned fear response to stressful/threat stimuli. Dystrophin-deficient animal models of DMD demonstrate enhanced stress reactivity that manifests as sustained periods of immobility. When the threat is repetitive or severe in nature, dystrophinopathy phenotypes can be exacerbated and even cause sudden death. Thus, it is apparent that enhanced sensitivity to stressful/threat stimuli in dystrophin-deficient vertebrates is a legitimate cause of concern for patients with DMD that could impact neurocognition and pathophysiology. This review discusses our current understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of the hypersensitive fear response in preclinical models of DMD and the potential challenges facing clinical translatability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saba Gharibi
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Cyrille Vaillend
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Saclay 91400, France.
| | - Angus Lindsay
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand; Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sun C, Serra C, Kalicharan BH, Harding J, Rao M. Challenges and Considerations of Preclinical Development for iPSC-Based Myogenic Cell Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:596. [PMID: 38607035 PMCID: PMC11011706 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a promising avenue in the field of regenerative medicine due to iPSCs' expandability, immune compatibility, and pluripotent potential. An increasing number of preclinical and clinical trials have been carried out, exploring the application of iPSC-based therapies for challenging diseases, such as muscular dystrophies. The unique syncytial nature of skeletal muscle allows stem/progenitor cells to integrate, forming new myonuclei and restoring the expression of genes affected by myopathies. This characteristic makes genome-editing techniques especially attractive in these therapies. With genetic modification and iPSC lineage specification methodologies, immune-compatible healthy iPSC-derived muscle cells can be manufactured to reverse the progression of muscle diseases or facilitate tissue regeneration. Despite this exciting advancement, much of the development of iPSC-based therapies for muscle diseases and tissue regeneration is limited to academic settings, with no successful clinical translation reported. The unknown differentiation process in vivo, potential tumorigenicity, and epigenetic abnormality of transplanted cells are preventing their clinical application. In this review, we give an overview on preclinical development of iPSC-derived myogenic cell transplantation therapies including processes related to iPSC-derived myogenic cells such as differentiation, scaling-up, delivery, and cGMP compliance. And we discuss the potential challenges of each step of clinical translation. Additionally, preclinical model systems for testing myogenic cells intended for clinical applications are described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Congshan Sun
- Vita Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD 21043, USA (M.R.)
| | - Carlo Serra
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | | | - Mahendra Rao
- Vita Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD 21043, USA (M.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bruter AV, Varlamova EA, Okulova YD, Tatarskiy VV, Silaeva YY, Filatov MA. Genetically modified mice as a tool for the study of human diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:135. [PMID: 38236499 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09066-0] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Modeling a human disease is an essential part of biomedical research. The recent advances in the field of molecular genetics made it possible to obtain genetically modified animals for the study of various diseases. Not only monogenic disorders but also chromosomal and multifactorial disorders can be mimicked in lab animals due to genetic modification. Even human infectious diseases can be studied in genetically modified animals. An animal model of a disease enables the tracking of its pathogenesis and, more importantly, to test new therapies. In the first part of this paper, we review the most common DNA modification technologies and provide key ideas on specific technology choices according to the task at hand. In the second part, we focus on the application of genetically modified mice in studying human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra V Bruter
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 119334
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "National Medical Research Center of Oncology Named After N.N. Blokhin" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Research Institute of Carcinogenesis, Moscow, Russia, 115478
| | - Ekaterina A Varlamova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 119334
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "National Medical Research Center of Oncology Named After N.N. Blokhin" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Research Institute of Carcinogenesis, Moscow, Russia, 115478
| | - Yulia D Okulova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 119334
| | - Victor V Tatarskiy
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 119334
| | - Yulia Y Silaeva
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 119334
| | - Maxim A Filatov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 119334.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hiyoshi T, Zhao F, Baba R, Hirakawa T, Kuboki R, Suzuki K, Tomimatsu Y, O'Donnell P, Han S, Zach N, Nakashima M. Electrical impedance myography detects dystrophin-related muscle changes in mdx mice. Skelet Muscle 2023; 13:19. [PMID: 37980539 PMCID: PMC10657153 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-023-00331-1] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of functional dystrophin protein in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) causes chronic skeletal muscle inflammation and degeneration. Therefore, the restoration of functional dystrophin levels is a fundamental approach for DMD therapy. Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is an emerging tool that provides noninvasive monitoring of muscle conditions and has been suggested as a treatment response biomarker in diverse indications. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of skeletal muscles has become a standard measurement in clinical trials for DMD, EIM offers distinct advantages, such as portability, user-friendliness, and reduced cost, allowing for remote monitoring of disease progression or response to therapy. To investigate the potential of EIM as a biomarker for DMD, we compared longitudinal EIM data with MRI/histopathological data from an X-linked muscular dystrophy (mdx) mouse model of DMD. In addition, we investigated whether EIM could detect dystrophin-related changes in muscles using antisense-mediated exon skipping in mdx mice. METHODS The MRI data for muscle T2, the magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) data for fat fraction, and three EIM parameters with histopathology were longitudinally obtained from the hindlimb muscles of wild-type (WT) and mdx mice. In the EIM study, a cell-penetrating peptide (Pip9b2) conjugated antisense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PPMO), designed to induce exon-skipping and restore functional dystrophin production, was administered intravenously to mdx mice. RESULTS MRI imaging in mdx mice showed higher T2 intensity at 6 weeks of age in hindlimb muscles compared to WT mice, which decreased at ≥ 9 weeks of age. In contrast, EIM reactance began to decline at 12 weeks of age, with peak reduction at 18 weeks of age in mdx mice. This decline was associated with myofiber atrophy and connective tissue infiltration in the skeletal muscles. Repeated dosing of PPMO (10 mg/kg, 4 times every 2 weeks) in mdx mice led to an increase in muscular dystrophin protein and reversed the decrease in EIM reactance. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that muscle T2 MRI is sensitive to the early inflammatory response associated with dystrophin deficiency, whereas EIM provides a valuable biomarker for the noninvasive monitoring of subsequent changes in skeletal muscle composition. Furthermore, EIM reactance has the potential to monitor dystrophin-deficient muscle abnormalities and their recovery in response to antisense-mediated exon skipping.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuaki Hiyoshi
- Neuroscience Translational Medicine, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Fuqiang Zhao
- Center of Excellence for Imaging, Preclinical and Translational Sciences, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., 95 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Rina Baba
- Muscular Disease and Neuropathy Unit, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hirakawa
- Muscular Disease and Neuropathy Unit, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kuboki
- Muscular Disease and Neuropathy Unit, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Kazunori Suzuki
- Muscular Disease and Neuropathy Unit, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Tomimatsu
- Neuroscience Translational Medicine, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Patricio O'Donnell
- Neuroscience Translational Medicine, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., 95 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Steve Han
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., 95 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Neta Zach
- Neuroscience Translational Medicine, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., 95 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Masato Nakashima
- Neuroscience Translational Medicine, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mucha O, Myszka M, Podkalicka P, Świderska B, Malinowska A, Dulak J, Łoboda A. Proteome Profiling of the Dystrophic mdx Mice Diaphragm. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1648. [PMID: 38002330 PMCID: PMC10669179 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mdx mice with a spontaneous mutation in exon 23 of the Dmd gene represent the most common model to investigate the pathophysiology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The disease, caused by the lack of functional dystrophin, is characterized by irreversible impairment of muscle functions, with the diaphragm affected earlier and more severely than other skeletal muscles. We applied a label-free (LF) method and the more thorough tandem mass tag (TMT)-based method to analyze differentially expressed proteins in the diaphragm of 6-week-old mdx mice. The comparison of both methods revealed 88 commonly changed proteins. A more in-depth analysis of the TMT-based method showed 953 significantly changed proteins, with 867 increased and 86 decreased in dystrophic animals (q-value < 0.05, fold-change threshold: 1.5). Consequently, several dysregulated processes were demonstrated, including the immune response, fibrosis, translation, and programmed cell death. Interestingly, in the dystrophic diaphragm, we found a significant decrease in the expression of enzymes generating hydrogen sulfide (H2S), suggesting that alterations in the metabolism of this gaseous mediator could modulate DMD progression, which could be a potential target for pharmacological intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Mucha
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7 Street, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (O.M.); (M.M.); (P.P.); (J.D.)
| | - Małgorzata Myszka
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7 Street, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (O.M.); (M.M.); (P.P.); (J.D.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Łojasiewicza 11 Street, 30-348 Kraków, Poland
| | - Paulina Podkalicka
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7 Street, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (O.M.); (M.M.); (P.P.); (J.D.)
| | - Bianka Świderska
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (B.Ś.); (A.M.)
| | - Agata Malinowska
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (B.Ś.); (A.M.)
| | - Józef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7 Street, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (O.M.); (M.M.); (P.P.); (J.D.)
| | - Agnieszka Łoboda
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7 Street, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (O.M.); (M.M.); (P.P.); (J.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Poukalov KK, Valero MC, Muscato DR, Adams LM, Chun H, Lee YI, Andrade NS, Zeier Z, Sweeney HL, Wang ET. Myospreader improves gene editing in skeletal muscle by myonuclear propagation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.06.565807. [PMID: 37986992 PMCID: PMC10659306 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.06.565807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Successful CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in skeletal muscle is dependent on efficient propagation of Cas9 to all myonuclei in the myofiber. However, nuclear-targeted gene therapy cargos are strongly restricted to their myonuclear domain of origin. By screening nuclear localization signals and nuclear export signals, we identify "Myospreader", a combination of short peptide sequences that promotes myonuclear propagation. Appending Myospreader to Cas9 enhances protein stability and myonuclear propagation in myoblasts and myofibers. AAV-delivered Myospreader dCas9 better inhibits transcription of toxic RNA in a myotonic dystrophy mouse model. Furthermore, Myospreader Cas9 achieves higher rates of gene editing in CRISPR reporter and Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse models. Myospreader reveals design principles relevant to all nuclear-targeted gene therapies and highlights the importance of the spatial dimension in therapeutic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiril K. Poukalov
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
| | - M. Carmen Valero
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
| | - Derek R. Muscato
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
| | - Leanne M. Adams
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
| | - Heejae Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida
- Myology Institute, University of Florida
| | - Young il Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida
- Myology Institute, University of Florida
| | - Nadja S. Andrade
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami
| | - Zane Zeier
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami
| | - H. Lee Sweeney
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida
- Myology Institute, University of Florida
| | - Eric T. Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
- Myology Institute, University of Florida
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Myszka M, Mucha O, Podkalicka P, Waśniowska U, Dulak J, Łoboda A. Sodium hydrosulfide moderately alleviates the hallmark symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in mdx mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 955:175928. [PMID: 37507045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an incurable disease caused by mutations in the X-linked DMD gene that encodes a structural muscle protein, dystrophin. This, in turn, leads to progressive degeneration of the skeletal muscles and the heart. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the pleiotropic agent with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic activities, could be considered a promising therapeutic factor for DMD. In this work, we studied the effect of daily intraperitoneal administration of the H2S donor, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, 100 μmol/kg/day for 5 weeks) on skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius, diaphragm and tibialis anterior) pathology in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice, characterized by decreased expression of H2S-generating enzymes. NaHS reduced the level of muscle damage markers in plasma (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and osteopontin). It lowered oxidative stress by affecting the GSH/GSSG ratio, up-regulating the level of cytoprotective heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and down-regulating the NF-κB pathway. In the gastrocnemius muscle, it also increased angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegf) and its receptor (Kdr) expression, accompanied by the elevated number of α-SMA/CD31/lectin-positive blood vessels. The expression of fibrotic regulators, like Tgfβ, Col1a1 and Fn1 was decreased by NaHS in the tibialis anterior, while the level of autophagy markers (AMPKα signalling and Atg genes), was mostly affected in the gastrocnemius. Histological and molecular analysis showed no effect of H2S donor on regeneration and the muscle fiber type composition. Overall, the H2S donor modified the gene expression and protein level of molecules associated with the pathophysiology of DMD, contributing to the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and angiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Myszka
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Kraków, 30-387, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Prof. St. Łojasiewicz 11, 30-348, Krakow, Poland
| | - Olga Mucha
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Kraków, 30-387, Poland
| | - Paulina Podkalicka
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Kraków, 30-387, Poland
| | - Urszula Waśniowska
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Kraków, 30-387, Poland
| | - Józef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Kraków, 30-387, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Łoboda
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Kraków, 30-387, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li X, Kheirabadi M, Dougherty PG, Kamer KJ, Shen X, Estrella NL, Peddigari S, Pathak A, Blake SL, Sizensky E, Genio CD, Gaur AB, Dhanabal M, Girgenrath M, Sethuraman N, Qian Z. The endosomal escape vehicle platform enhances delivery of oligonucleotides in preclinical models of neuromuscular disorders. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:273-285. [PMID: 37538053 PMCID: PMC10393622 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Biological therapeutic agents are highly targeted and potent but limited in their ability to reach intracellular targets. These limitations often necessitate high therapeutic doses and can be associated with less-than-optimal therapeutic activity. One promising solution for therapeutic agent delivery is use of cell-penetrating peptides. Canonical cell-penetrating peptides, however, are limited by low efficiencies of cellular uptake and endosomal escape, minimal proteolytic stability, and toxicity. To overcome these limitations, we designed a family of proprietary cyclic cell-penetrating peptides that form the core of our endosomal escape vehicle technology capable of delivering therapeutic agent-conjugated cargo intracellularly. We demonstrated the therapeutic potential of this endosomal escape vehicle platform in preclinical models of muscular dystrophy with distinct disease etiology. An endosomal escape vehicle-conjugated, splice-modulating oligonucleotide restored dystrophin protein expression in striated muscles in the mdx mouse, a model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Furthermore, another endosomal escape vehicle-conjugated, sterically blocking oligonucleotide led to knockdown of aberrant transcript expression levels in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy patient-derived skeletal muscle cells. These findings suggest a significant therapeutic potential of our endosomal escape vehicle conjugated oligonucleotides for targeted upregulation and downregulation of gene expression in neuromuscular diseases, with possible broader application of this platform for delivery of intracellular biological agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Entrada Therapeutics, One Design Center Place, Suite 17-500, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Mahboubeh Kheirabadi
- Entrada Therapeutics, One Design Center Place, Suite 17-500, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Patrick G. Dougherty
- Entrada Therapeutics, One Design Center Place, Suite 17-500, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Kimberli J. Kamer
- Entrada Therapeutics, One Design Center Place, Suite 17-500, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Xiulong Shen
- Entrada Therapeutics, One Design Center Place, Suite 17-500, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Nelsa L. Estrella
- Entrada Therapeutics, One Design Center Place, Suite 17-500, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Suresh Peddigari
- Entrada Therapeutics, One Design Center Place, Suite 17-500, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Anushree Pathak
- Entrada Therapeutics, One Design Center Place, Suite 17-500, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Sara L. Blake
- Entrada Therapeutics, One Design Center Place, Suite 17-500, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Emmanuelle Sizensky
- Entrada Therapeutics, One Design Center Place, Suite 17-500, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Carmen del Genio
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Arti B. Gaur
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Mohanraj Dhanabal
- Entrada Therapeutics, One Design Center Place, Suite 17-500, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Mahasweta Girgenrath
- Entrada Therapeutics, One Design Center Place, Suite 17-500, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Natarajan Sethuraman
- Entrada Therapeutics, One Design Center Place, Suite 17-500, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Ziqing Qian
- Entrada Therapeutics, One Design Center Place, Suite 17-500, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hildyard JCW, Piercy RJ. When Size Really Matters: The Eccentricities of Dystrophin Transcription and the Hazards of Quantifying mRNA from Very Long Genes. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2082. [PMID: 37509720 PMCID: PMC10377302 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072082] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
At 2.3 megabases in length, the dystrophin gene is enormous: transcription of a single mRNA requires approximately 16 h. Principally expressed in skeletal muscle, the dystrophin protein product protects the muscle sarcolemma against contraction-induced injury, and dystrophin deficiency results in the fatal muscle-wasting disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This gene is thus of key clinical interest, and therapeutic strategies aimed at eliciting dystrophin restoration require quantitative analysis of its expression. Approaches for quantifying dystrophin at the protein level are well-established, however study at the mRNA level warrants closer scrutiny: measured expression values differ in a sequence-dependent fashion, with significant consequences for data interpretation. In this manuscript, we discuss these nuances of expression and present evidence to support a transcriptional model whereby the long transcription time is coupled to a short mature mRNA half-life, with dystrophin transcripts being predominantly nascent as a consequence. We explore the effects of such a model on cellular transcriptional dynamics and then discuss key implications for the study of dystrophin gene expression, focusing on both conventional (qPCR) and next-gen (RNAseq) approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John C W Hildyard
- Comparative Neuromuscular Disease Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Richard J Piercy
- Comparative Neuromuscular Disease Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Da Silva A, Dort J, Orfi Z, Pan X, Huang S, Kho I, Heckel E, Muscarnera G, van Vliet PP, Sturiale L, Messina A, Romeo DA, van Karnebeek CD, Wen XY, Hinek A, Molina T, Andelfinger G, Ellezam B, Yamanaka Y, Olivos HJ, Morales CR, Joyal JS, Lefeber DJ, Garozzo D, Dumont NA, Pshezhetsky AV. N-acetylneuraminate pyruvate lyase controls sialylation of muscle glycoproteins essential for muscle regeneration and function. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade6308. [PMID: 37390204 PMCID: PMC10313170 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade6308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Deleterious variants in N-acetylneuraminate pyruvate lyase (NPL) cause skeletal myopathy and cardiac edema in humans and zebrafish, but its physiological role remains unknown. We report generation of mouse models of the disease: NplR63C, carrying the human p.Arg63Cys variant, and Npldel116 with a 116-bp exonic deletion. In both strains, NPL deficiency causes drastic increase in free sialic acid levels, reduction of skeletal muscle force and endurance, slower healing and smaller size of newly formed myofibers after cardiotoxin-induced muscle injury, increased glycolysis, partially impaired mitochondrial function, and aberrant sialylation of dystroglycan and mitochondrial LRP130 protein. NPL-catalyzed degradation of sialic acid in the muscle increases after fasting and injury and in human patient and mouse models with genetic muscle dystrophy, demonstrating that NPL is essential for muscle function and regeneration and serves as a general marker of muscle damage. Oral administration of N-acetylmannosamine rescues skeletal myopathy, as well as mitochondrial and structural abnormalities in NplR63C mice, suggesting a potential treatment for human patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afitz Da Silva
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Junio Dort
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Zakaria Orfi
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Xuefang Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sjanie Huang
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6500, Netherlands
| | - Ikhui Kho
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Emilie Heckel
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Giacomo Muscarnera
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick Piet van Vliet
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luisa Sturiale
- CNR, Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, Catania, Italy
| | - Angela Messina
- CNR, Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Clara D.M. van Karnebeek
- Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics, Emma Center for Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Xiao-Yan Wen
- Zebrafish Centre for Advanced Drug Discovery and ZebraPeutics (Guangdong) Ltd., HengQin District, Zhuhai, China
| | - Aleksander Hinek
- Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas Molina
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gregor Andelfinger
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Benjamin Ellezam
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yojiro Yamanaka
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Carlos R. Morales
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Sébastien Joyal
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Dirk J. Lefeber
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6500, Netherlands
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboudumc Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6500, Netherlands
| | - Domenico Garozzo
- CNR, Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, Catania, Italy
| | - Nicolas A. Dumont
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexey V. Pshezhetsky
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Waters EA, Haney CR, Vaught LA, McNally EM, Demonbreun AR. New semi-automated tool for the quantitation of MR imaging to estimate in vivo muscle disease severity in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.23.541310. [PMID: 37293050 PMCID: PMC10245844 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.23.541310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The pathology in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by degenerating muscle fibers, inflammation, fibro-fatty infiltrate, and edema, and these pathological processes replace normal healthy muscle tissue. The mdx mouse model is one of the most commonly used preclinical models to study DMD. Mounting evidence has emerged illustrating that muscle disease progression varies considerably in mdx mice, with inter-animal differences as well as intra-muscular differences in pathology in individual mdx mice. This variation is important to consider when conducting assessments of drug efficacy and in longitudinal studies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive method that can be used qualitatively or quantitatively to measure muscle disease progression in the clinic and in preclinical models. Although MR imaging is highly sensitive, image acquisition and analysis can be time intensive. The purpose of this study was to develop a semi-automated muscle segmentation and quantitation pipeline that can quickly and accurately estimate muscle disease severity in mice. Herein, we show that the newly developed segmentation tool accurately divides muscle. We show that measures of skew and interdecile range based on segmentation sufficiently estimate muscle disease severity in healthy wildtype and diseased mdx mice. Moreover, the semi-automated pipeline reduced analysis time by nearly 10-fold. Use of this rapid, non-invasive, semi-automated MR imaging and analysis pipeline has the potential to transform preclinical studies, allowing for pre-screening of dystrophic mice prior to study enrollment to ensure more uniform muscle disease pathology across treatment groups, improving study outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Waters
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Chad R. Haney
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Lauren. A Vaught
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. McNally
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Alexis R. Demonbreun
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sokolova AV, Domnina AP, Mikhailov VM. Accumulation of Dystrophin-Positive Muscle Fibers and Improvement of Neuromuscular Junctions in mdx Mouse Muscles after Bone Marrow Transplantation under Different Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108892. [PMID: 37240237 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108892] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscular disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. It leads to respiratory and cardiac failure and premature death at a young age. Although recent studies have greatly deepened the understanding of the primary and secondary pathogenetic mechanisms of DMD, an effective treatment remains elusive. In recent decades, stem cells have emerged as a novel therapeutic product for a variety of diseases. In this study, we investigated nonmyeloablative bone marrow cell (BMC) transplantation as a method of cell therapy for DMD in an mdx mouse model. By using BMC transplantation from GFP-positive mice, we confirmed that BMCs participate in the muscle restoration of mdx mice. We analyzed both syngeneic and allogeneic BMC transplantation under different conditions. Our data indicated that 3 Gy X-ray irradiation with subsequent BMC transplantation improved dystrophin synthesis and the structure of striated muscle fibers (SMFs) in mdx mice as well as decreasing the death rate of SMFs. In addition, we observed the normalization of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in mdx mice after nonmyeloablative BMC transplantation. In conclusion, we demonstrated that nonmyeloablative BMC transplantation could be considered a method for DMD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alisa P Domnina
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Acin‐Perez R, Benincá C, Fernandez del Rio L, Shu C, Baghdasarian S, Zanette V, Gerle C, Jiko C, Khairallah R, Khan S, Rincon Fernandez Pacheco D, Shabane B, Erion K, Masand R, Dugar S, Ghenoiu C, Schreiner G, Stiles L, Liesa M, Shirihai OS. Inhibition of ATP synthase reverse activity restores energy homeostasis in mitochondrial pathologies. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111699. [PMID: 36912136 PMCID: PMC10183817 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of cellular function relies on the close regulation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and hydrolysis. ATP hydrolysis by mitochondrial ATP Synthase (CV) is induced by loss of proton motive force and inhibited by the mitochondrial protein ATPase inhibitor (ATPIF1). The extent of CV hydrolytic activity and its impact on cellular energetics remains unknown due to the lack of selective hydrolysis inhibitors of CV. We find that CV hydrolytic activity takes place in coupled intact mitochondria and is increased by respiratory chain defects. We identified (+)-Epicatechin as a selective inhibitor of ATP hydrolysis that binds CV while preventing the binding of ATPIF1. In cells with Complex-III deficiency, we show that inhibition of CV hydrolytic activity by (+)-Epichatechin is sufficient to restore ATP content without restoring respiratory function. Inhibition of CV-ATP hydrolysis in a mouse model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is sufficient to improve muscle force without any increase in mitochondrial content. We conclude that the impact of compromised mitochondrial respiration can be lessened using hydrolysis-selective inhibitors of CV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Acin‐Perez
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Metabolism Theme, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Cristiane Benincá
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Metabolism Theme, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Lucia Fernandez del Rio
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Metabolism Theme, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Cynthia Shu
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Metabolism Theme, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Siyouneh Baghdasarian
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Metabolism Theme, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Vanessa Zanette
- Department of BioinformaticsUniversity Federal of ParanaCuritibaBrazil
| | - Christoph Gerle
- Institute for Protein ResearchOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- RIKEN SPring‐8 CenterSayo‐gunJapan
| | - Chimari Jiko
- Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear ScienceKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | | | | | | | - Byourak Shabane
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Metabolism Theme, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Linsey Stiles
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Metabolism Theme, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Department of Molecular and Medical PharmacologyUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Marc Liesa
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Metabolism Theme, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Department of Molecular and Medical PharmacologyUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Molecular Cellular Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona, IBMB, CSICBarcelonaCataloniaSpain
| | - Orian S Shirihai
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Metabolism Theme, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Department of Molecular and Medical PharmacologyUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Molecular Cellular Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Tesoriero C, Greco F, Cannone E, Ghirotto F, Facchinello N, Schiavone M, Vettori A. Modeling Human Muscular Dystrophies in Zebrafish: Mutant Lines, Transgenic Fluorescent Biosensors, and Phenotyping Assays. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8314. [PMID: 37176020 PMCID: PMC10179009 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a heterogeneous group of myopathies characterized by progressive muscle weakness leading to death from heart or respiratory failure. MDs are caused by mutations in genes involved in both the development and organization of muscle fibers. Several animal models harboring mutations in MD-associated genes have been developed so far. Together with rodents, the zebrafish is one of the most popular animal models used to reproduce MDs because of the high level of sequence homology with the human genome and its genetic manipulability. This review describes the most important zebrafish mutant models of MD and the most advanced tools used to generate and characterize all these valuable transgenic lines. Zebrafish models of MDs have been generated by introducing mutations to muscle-specific genes with different genetic techniques, such as (i) N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) treatment, (ii) the injection of specific morpholino, (iii) tol2-based transgenesis, (iv) TALEN, (v) and CRISPR/Cas9 technology. All these models are extensively used either to study muscle development and function or understand the pathogenetic mechanisms of MDs. Several tools have also been developed to characterize these zebrafish models by checking (i) motor behavior, (ii) muscle fiber structure, (iii) oxidative stress, and (iv) mitochondrial function and dynamics. Further, living biosensor models, based on the expression of fluorescent reporter proteins under the control of muscle-specific promoters or responsive elements, have been revealed to be powerful tools to follow molecular dynamics at the level of a single muscle fiber. Thus, zebrafish models of MDs can also be a powerful tool to search for new drugs or gene therapies able to block or slow down disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tesoriero
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.T.); (F.G.); (F.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Francesca Greco
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.T.); (F.G.); (F.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Elena Cannone
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Francesco Ghirotto
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.T.); (F.G.); (F.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Nicola Facchinello
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council (CNR), 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Schiavone
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Andrea Vettori
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.T.); (F.G.); (F.G.); (A.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mattar CNZ, Chan JKY, Choolani M. Gene modification therapies for hereditary diseases in the fetus. Prenat Diagn 2023; 43:674-686. [PMID: 36965009 PMCID: PMC10946994 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Proof-of-principle disease models have demonstrated the feasibility of an intrauterine gene modification therapy (in utero gene therapy (IUGT)) approach to hereditary diseases as diverse as coagulation disorders, haemoglobinopathies, neurogenetic disorders, congenital metabolic, and pulmonary diseases. Gene addition, which requires the delivery of an integrating or episomal transgene to the target cell nucleus to be transcribed, and gene editing, where the mutation is corrected within the gene of origin, have both been used successfully to increase normal protein production in a bid to reverse or arrest pathology in utero. While most experimental models have employed lentiviral, adenoviral, and adeno-associated viral vectors engineered to efficiently enter target cells, newer models have also demonstrated the applicability of non-viral lipid nanoparticles. Amelioration of pathology is dependent primarily on achieving sustained therapeutic transgene expression, silencing of transgene expression, production of neutralising antibodies, the dilutional effect of the recipient's growth on the mass of transduced cells, and the degree of pre-existing cellular damage. Safety assessment of any IUGT strategy will require long-term postnatal surveillance of both the fetal recipient and the maternal bystander for cell and genome toxicity, oncogenic potential, immune-responsiveness, and germline mutation. In this review, we discuss advances in the field and the push toward clinical translation of IUGT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Citra N. Z. Mattar
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- National University Health SystemsSingaporeSingapore
| | - Jerry K. Y. Chan
- KK Women's and Children's HospitalSingaporeSingapore
- Duke‐NUS Medical SchoolSingaporeSingapore
| | - Mahesh Choolani
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- National University Health SystemsSingaporeSingapore
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nitahara-Kasahara Y, Nakayama S, Kimura K, Yamaguchi S, Kakiuchi Y, Nito C, Hayashi M, Nakaishi T, Ueda Y, Okada T. Immunomodulatory amnion-derived mesenchymal stromal cells preserve muscle function in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:108. [PMID: 37106393 PMCID: PMC10142496 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03337-0] [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: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an incurable genetic disease characterized by degeneration and necrosis of myofibers, chronic inflammation, and progressive muscle weakness resulting in premature mortality. Immunosuppressive multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy could be an option for DMD patients. We focused on amnion-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSCs), a clinically viable cell source owing to their unique characteristics, such as non-invasive isolation, mitotic stability, ethical acceptability, and minimal risk of immune reaction and cancer. We aimed to identify novel immunomodulatory effects of AMSCs on macrophage polarization and their transplantation strategies for the functional recovery of skeletal and cardiac muscles. METHODS We used flow cytometry to analyze the expression of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage markers on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) co-cultured with human AMSCs (hAMSCs). hAMSCs were intravenously injected into DMD model mice (mdx mice) to assess the safety and efficacy of therapeutic interventions. hAMSC-treated and untreated mdx mice were monitored using blood tests, histological examinations, spontaneous wheel-running activities, grip strength, and echocardiography. RESULTS hAMSCs induced M2 macrophage polarization in PBMCs via prostaglandin E2 production. After repeated systemic hAMSC injections, mdx mice exhibited a transient downregulation of serum creatin kinase. Limited mononuclear cell infiltration and a decreased number of centrally nucleated fibers were indicative of regenerated myofibers following degeneration, suggesting an improved histological appearance of the skeletal muscle of hAMSC-treated mdx mice. Upregulated M2 macrophages and altered cytokine/chemokine expressions were observed in the muscles of hAMSC-treated mdx mice. During long-term experiments, a significant decrease in the grip strength in control mdx mice significantly improved in the hAMSC-treated mdx mice. hAMSC-treated mdx mice maintained running activity and enhanced daily running distance. Notably, the treated mice could run longer distances per minute, indicating high running endurance. Left ventricular function in DMD mice improved in hAMSC-treated mdx mice. CONCLUSIONS Early systemic hAMSC administration in mdx mice ameliorated progressive phenotypes, including pathological inflammation and motor dysfunction, resulting in the long-term improvement of skeletal and cardiac muscle function. The therapeutic effects might be associated with the immunosuppressive properties of hAMSCs via M2 macrophage polarization. This treatment strategy could provide therapeutic benefits to DMD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Nitahara-Kasahara
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.
| | - Soya Nakayama
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Laboratories, Kaneka Corporation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Koichi Kimura
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sho Yamaguchi
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Laboratories, Kaneka Corporation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuko Kakiuchi
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Chikako Nito
- Laboratory for Clinical Research, Collaborative Research Center, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hayashi
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Laboratories, Kaneka Corporation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Nakaishi
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Laboratories, Kaneka Corporation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yasuyoshi Ueda
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Laboratories, Kaneka Corporation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takashi Okada
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ueda J, Saito S. Evaluation of Cardiac Function in Young Mdx Mice Using MRI with Feature Tracking and Self-Gated Magnetic Resonance Cine Imaging. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13081472. [PMID: 37189573 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13081472] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate cardiac function in a young mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (mdx) using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with feature tracking and self-gated magnetic resonance cine imaging. Cardiac function was evaluated in mdx and control mice (C57BL/6JJmsSlc mice) at 8 and 12 weeks of age. Preclinical 7-T MRI was used to capture short-axis, longitudinal two-chamber view and longitudinal four-chamber view cine images of mdx and control mice. Strain values were measured and evaluated from cine images acquired using the feature tracking method. The left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly less (p < 0.01 each) in the mdx group at both 8 (control, 56.6 ± 2.3% mdx, 47.2 ± 7.4%) and 12 weeks (control, 53.9 ± 3.3% mdx, 44.1 ± 2.7%). In the strain analysis, all strain value peaks were significantly less in mdx mice, except for the longitudinal strain of the four-chamber view at both 8 and 12 weeks of age. Strain analysis with feature tracking and self-gated magnetic resonance cine imaging is useful for assessing cardiac function in young mdx mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junpei Ueda
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 560-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigeyoshi Saito
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 560-0871, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Advanced Medical Technologies, National Cardiovascular and Cerebral Research Center, Suita 564-8565, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lindsay A, Russell AP. The unconditioned fear response in dystrophin-deficient mice is associated with adrenal and vascular function. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5513. [PMID: 37015991 PMCID: PMC10073118 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32163-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of function mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin elicits a hypersensitive fear response in mice and humans. In the dystrophin-deficient mdx mouse, this behaviour is partially protected by oestrogen, but the mechanistic basis for this protection is unknown. Here, we show that female mdx mice remain normotensive during restraint stress compared to a hypotensive and hypertensive response in male mdx and male/female wildtype mice, respectively. Partial dystrophin expression in female mdx mice (heterozygous) also elicited a hypertensive response. Ovariectomized (OVX) female mdx mice were used to explain the normotensive response to stress. OVX lowered skeletal muscle mass and lowered the adrenal mass and zona glomerulosa area (aldosterone synthesis) in female mdx mice. During a restraint stress, OVX dampened aldosterone synthesis and lowered the corticosterone:11-dehydrocorticosterone. All OVX-induced changes were restored with replacement of oestradiol, except that oestradiol lowered the zona fasciculata area of the adrenal gland, dampened corticosterone synthesis but increased cortisol synthesis. These data suggest that oestrogen partially attenuates the unconditioned fear response in mdx mice via adrenal and vascular function. It also suggests that partial dystrophin restoration in a dystrophin-deficient vertebrate is an effective approach to develop an appropriate hypertensive response to stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angus Lindsay
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Aaron P Russell
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Khattri RB, Batra A, Matheny M, Hart C, Henley-Beasley SC, Hammers D, Zeng H, White Z, Ryan TE, Barton E, Pascal B, Walter GA. Magnetic resonance quantification of skeletal muscle lipid infiltration in a humanized mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2023; 36:e4869. [PMID: 36331178 PMCID: PMC10308798 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Rodent models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) often do not recapitulate the severity of muscle wasting and resultant fibro-fatty infiltration observed in DMD patients. Having recently documented severe muscle wasting and fatty deposition in two preclinical models of muscular dystrophy (Dysferlin-null and mdx mice) through apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene deletion without and with cholesterol-, triglyceride-rich Western diet supplementation, we sought to determine whether magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (MRI and MRS, respectively) could be used to detect, characterize, and compare lipid deposition in mdx-ApoE knockout with mdx mice in a diet-dependent manner. MRI revealed that both mdx and mdx-ApoE mice exhibited elevated proton relaxation time constants (T2 ) in their lower hindlimbs irrespective of diet, indicating both chronic muscle damage and fatty tissue deposition. The mdx-ApoE mice on a Western diet (mdx-ApoEW ) presented with greatest fatty tissue infiltration in the posterior compartment of the hindlimb compared with other groups, as detected by MRI/MRS. High-resolution magic angle spinning confirmed elevated lipid deposition in the posterior compartments of mdx-ApoEW mice in vivo and ex vivo, respectively. In conclusion, the mdx-ApoEW model recapitulates some of the extreme fatty tissue deposition observed clinically in DMD muscle but typically absent in mdx mice. This preclinical model will help facilitate the development of new imaging modalities directly relevant to the image contrast generated in DMD, and help to refine MR-based biomarkers and their relationship to tissue structure and disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ram B. Khattri
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Abhinandan Batra
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael Matheny
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Cora Hart
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - David Hammers
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Huadong Zeng
- Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Facility, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Zoe White
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Terence E. Ryan
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Center of Exercise Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Elisabeth Barton
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bernatchez Pascal
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Glenn A. Walter
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhu M, Wang X, Xie R, Wang Y, Xu X, Burger J, Gong S. Guanidinium-Rich Lipopeptide-Based Nanoparticle Enables Efficient Gene Editing in Skeletal Muscles. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:10464-10476. [PMID: 36800641 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c21683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing mediated by the CRISPR-Cas system holds great promise for the treatment of genetic diseases. However, safe and efficient in vivo delivery of CRISPR genome editing machinery remains a challenge. Here, we report a lipopeptide-based nanoparticle (LNP) that can efficiently deliver the CRISPR Cas9/sgRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) and enable efficient genome editing both in vitro and in vivo. An artificial lipopeptide, GD-LP, was constructed by linking a hydrophilic guanidinium-rich head to an oleic acid-based hydrophobic tail via a disulfide bond. LNP formed by the self-assembly of GD-LP can easily form a complex with RNP with a loading content of up to 20 wt %. The resulting RNP-LNP nanocomplex led to 72.6% gene editing efficiency in GFP-HEK cells with negligible cytotoxicity. The LNP also showed significantly higher transfection efficiencies than Lipofectamine 2000 for the delivery of mRNA in NIH 3T3 and RAW 264.7 and the delivery of plasmid DNA in B78 cells. In vivo studies showed that intramuscular injection of the RNP-LNP nanocomplex in Ai14 mice induced efficient gene editing in muscular tissues. Moreover, the delivery of Cas9 RNP and donor DNA by LNP (i.e., RNP/ssODN-LNP nanocomplex) restored dystrophin expression, reduced skeletal muscle fibrosis, and significantly improved muscle strength in a Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhu
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Xiuxiu Wang
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Ruosen Xie
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Yuyuan Wang
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Xianghui Xu
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Jacobus Burger
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Shaoqin Gong
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Maresh K, Papageorgiou A, Ridout D, Harrison NA, Mandy W, Skuse D, Muntoni F. Startle responses in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a novel biomarker of brain dystrophin deficiency. Brain 2023; 146:252-265. [PMID: 35136951 PMCID: PMC9825594 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by loss of dystrophin in muscle, however patients also have variable degree of intellectual disability and neurobehavioural co-morbidities. In contrast to muscle, in which a single full-length dystrophin isoform (Dp427) is produced, multiple isoforms are produced in the brain, and their deficiency accounts for the variability of CNS manifestations, with increased risk of comorbidities in patients carrying mutations affecting the 3' end of the gene, which disrupt expression of shorter Dp140 and Dp71 isoforms. A mouse model (mdx mouse) lacks Dp427 in muscle and CNS and exhibits exaggerated startle responses to threat, linked to the deficiency of dystrophin in limbic structures such as the amygdala, which normalize with postnatal brain dystrophin-restoration therapies. A pathological startle response is not a recognized feature of DMD, and its characterization has implications for improved clinical management and translational research. To investigate startle responses in DMD, we used a novel fear-conditioning task in an observational study of 56 males aged 7-12 years (31 affected boys, mean age 9.7 ± 1.8 years; 25 controls, mean age 9.6 ± 1.4 years). Trials of two neutral visual stimuli were presented to participants: one 'safe' cue presented alone; one 'threat' cue paired with an aversive noise to enable conditioning of physiological startle responses (skin conductance response and heart rate). Retention of conditioned physiological responses was subsequently tested by presenting both cues without the aversive noise in an 'Extinction' phase. Primary outcomes were the initial unconditioned skin conductance and change in heart rate responses to the aversive 'threat' and acquisition and retention of conditioned responses after conditioning. Secondary and exploratory outcomes were neuropsychological measures and genotype associations. The mean unconditioned skin conductance response was greater in the DMD group than controls [mean difference 3.0 µS (1.0, 5.1); P = 0.004], associated with a significant threat-induced bradycardia only in the patient group [mean difference -8.7 bpm (-16.9, -0.51); P = 0.04]. Participants with DMD found the task more aversive than controls, with increased early termination rates during the Extinction phase (26% of DMD group versus 0% of controls; P = 0.007). This study provides the first evidence that boys with DMD show similar increased unconditioned startle responses to threat to the mdx mouse, which in the mouse respond to brain dystrophin restoration. Our study provides new insights into the neurobiology underlying the complex neuropsychiatric co-morbidities in DMD and defines an objective measure of this CNS phenotype, which will be valuable for future CNS-targeted dystrophin-restoration studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Maresh
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Queen Square Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Andriani Papageorgiou
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Deborah Ridout
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Neil A Harrison
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - William Mandy
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - David Skuse
- Department of Behavioural and Brain Sciences, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Queen Square Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Aartsma-Rus A, van Putten M, Mantuano P, De Luca A. On the use of D2.B10-Dmdmdx/J (D2.mdx) Versus C57BL/10ScSn-Dmdmdx/J (mdx) Mouse Models for Preclinical Studies on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Cautionary Note from Members of the TREAT-NMD Advisory Committee on Therapeutics. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:155-158. [PMID: 36336938 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221547] [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: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The C57BL/10ScSn-Dmdmdx/J (mdx) mouse model has been used by researchers for decades as a model to study pathology of and develop therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, the model is relatively mildly affected compared to the human situation. Recently, the D2.B10-Dmdmdx/J (D2.mdx) mouse model was suggested as a more severely affected and therefore better alternative. While the pathology of this model is indeed more pronounced early in life, it is not progressive, and increasing evidence suggest that it actually partially resolves with age. As such, caution is needed when using this model. However, as preclinical experts of the TREAT-NMD advisory committee for therapeutics (TACT), we frequently encounter study designs that underestimate this caveat. We here provide context for how to best use the two models for preclinical studies at the current stage of knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike van Putten
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Paola Mantuano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Annamaria De Luca
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hakim CH, Teixeira J, Leach SB, Duan D. Physiological Assessment of Muscle, Heart, and Whole Body Function in the Canine Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2587:67-103. [PMID: 36401025 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2772-3_5] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal muscle disease caused by dystrophin deficiency. Patients gradually lose motor function, become wheelchair-bound, and die from respiratory and/or cardiac muscle failure. Dystrophin-null dogs have been used as a large animal model for DMD since 1988 and are considered an excellent bridge between rodent models and human patients. While numerous protocols have been published for studying muscle and heart physiology in mice, few such protocols exist for studying skeletal muscle contractility, heart function, and whole-body activity in dogs. Over the last 20 years, we have developed and adapted an array of assays to evaluate whole-body movement, gait, single muscle force, whole limb torque, cardiac electrophysiology, and hemodynamic function in normal and dystrophic dogs. In this chapter, we present detailed working protocols for these assays and lessons we learned during the development and use of these protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chady H Hakim
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - James Teixeira
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Stacy B Leach
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Biomedical, Biological & Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Koike H, Manabe I, Oishi Y. Mechanisms of cooperative cell-cell interactions in skeletal muscle regeneration. Inflamm Regen 2022; 42:48. [DOI: 10.1186/s41232-022-00234-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractSkeletal muscles have an extraordinary capacity to regenerate themselves when injured. Skeletal muscle stem cells, called satellite cells, play a central role in muscle regeneration via three major steps: activation, proliferation, and differentiation. These steps are affected by multiple types of cells, such as immune cells, fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells, and vascular endothelial cells. The widespread use of single-cell sequencing technologies has enabled the identification of novel cell subpopulations associated with muscle regeneration and their regulatory mechanisms. This review summarizes the dynamism of the cellular community that controls and promotes muscle regeneration, with a particular focus on skeletal muscle stem cells.
Collapse
|
29
|
Cell-Based and Gene-Based Therapy Approaches in Neuro-orthopedic Disorders: a Literature Review. REGENERATIVE ENGINEERING AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40883-022-00284-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
30
|
Barboni MTS, Joachimsthaler A, Roux MJ, Nagy ZZ, Ventura DF, Rendon A, Kremers J, Vaillend C. Retinal dystrophins and the retinopathy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022:101137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
31
|
Saleh KK, Xi H, Switzler C, Skuratovsky E, Romero MA, Chien P, Gibbs D, Gane L, Hicks MR, Spencer MJ, Pyle AD. Single cell sequencing maps skeletal muscle cellular diversity as disease severity increases in dystrophic mouse models. iScience 2022; 25:105415. [PMID: 36388984 PMCID: PMC9646951 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by out-of-frame mutations in the DMD gene resulting in the absence of a functional dystrophin protein, leading to a devastating and progressive lethal muscle-wasting disease. Little is known about cellular heterogeneity as disease severity increases. Advances in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) enabled us to explore skeletal muscle-resident cell populations in healthy, dystrophic, and severely dystrophic mouse models. We found increased frequencies of activated fibroblasts, fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells, and pro-inflammatory macrophages in dystrophic gastrocnemius muscles and an upregulation of extracellular matrix genes on endothelial cells in dystrophic and severely dystrophic muscles. We observed a pronounced risk of clotting, especially in the severely dystrophic mice with increased expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in endothelial cells, indicating endothelial cell impairment as disease severity increases. This work extends our understanding of the severe nature of DMD which should be considered when developing single or combinatorial approaches for DMD. scRNA-seq reveals cell differences in healthy, dystrophic, and severely dystrophic muscles Increased frequency of activated fibroblasts and FAP cells in dystrophic environments Co-existence of pro- and anti-inflammatory signatures in dystrophic environments Endothelial cell impairment is evident in severely dystrophic environment
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kholoud K. Saleh
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Haibin Xi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Corey Switzler
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Emily Skuratovsky
- CIRM Bridges Program, California State University, Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| | - Matthew A. Romero
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Peggie Chien
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Devin Gibbs
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lily Gane
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michael R. Hicks
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Melissa J. Spencer
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - April D. Pyle
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
A Nonsense Variant in the DMD Gene Causes X-Linked Muscular Dystrophy in the Maine Coon Cat. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12212928. [PMID: 36359052 PMCID: PMC9653713 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Feline dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy (ddMD) is a fatal disease characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscles and is caused by variants in the DMD gene. To date, only two feline causal variants have been identified. This study reports two cases of male Maine coon siblings that presented with muscular hypertrophy, growth retardation, weight loss, and vomiting. (2) Both cats were clinically examined and histopathology and immunofluorescent staining of the affected muscle was performed. DMD mRNA was sequenced to identify putative causal variants. (3) Both cats showed a significant increase in serum creatine kinase activity. Electromyography and histopathological examination of the muscle samples revealed abnormalities consistent with a dystrophic phenotype. Immunohistochemical testing revealed the absence of dystrophin, confirming the diagnosis of dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy. mRNA sequencing revealed a nonsense variant in exon 11 of the feline DMD gene, NC_058386.1 (XM_045050794.1): c.1180C > T (p.(Arg394*)), which results in the loss of the majority of the dystrophin protein. Perfect X-linked segregation of the variant was established in the pedigree. (4) ddMD was described for the first time in the Maine coon and the c.1180C>T variant was confirmed as the causal variant.
Collapse
|
33
|
Gargan S, Dowling P, Zweyer M, Henry M, Meleady P, Swandulla D, Ohlendieck K. Proteomic Identification of Markers of Membrane Repair, Regeneration and Fibrosis in the Aged and Dystrophic Diaphragm. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:1679. [PMID: 36362832 PMCID: PMC9696191 DOI: 10.3390/life12111679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Deficiency in the membrane cytoskeletal protein dystrophin is the underlying cause of the progressive muscle wasting disease named Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In order to detect novel disease marker candidates and confirm the complexity of the pathobiochemical signature of dystrophinopathy, mass spectrometric screening approaches represent ideal tools for comprehensive biomarker discovery studies. In this report, we describe the comparative proteomic analysis of young versus aged diaphragm muscles from wild type versus the dystrophic mdx-4cv mouse model of X-linked muscular dystrophy. The survey confirmed the drastic reduction of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex in the mdx-4cv diaphragm muscle and concomitant age-dependent changes in key markers of muscular dystrophy, including proteins involved in cytoskeletal organization, metabolite transportation, the cellular stress response and excitation-contraction coupling. Importantly, proteomic markers of the regulation of membrane repair, tissue regeneration and reactive myofibrosis were detected by mass spectrometry and changes in key proteins were confirmed by immunoblotting. Potential disease marker candidates include various isoforms of annexin, the matricellular protein periostin and a large number of collagens. Alterations in these proteoforms can be useful to evaluate adaptive, compensatory and pathobiochemical changes in the intracellular cytoskeleton, myofiber membrane integrity and the extracellular matrix in dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Gargan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Paul Dowling
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Margit Zweyer
- Department of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Children’s Hospital, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Bonn, D53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Henry
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, D09 E432 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paula Meleady
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, D09 E432 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dieter Swandulla
- Institute of Physiology, University of Bonn, D53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Guo Z, Geng M, Huang Y, Han G, Jing R, Lin C, Zhang X, Zhang M, Fan G, Wang F, Yin H. Upregulation of Wilms' Tumor 1 in epicardial cells increases cardiac fibrosis in dystrophic mice. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:1928-1940. [PMID: 35306537 PMCID: PMC9525265 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-00979-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyopathy is a primary cause of mortality in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Mechanistic understanding of cardiac fibrosis holds the key to effective DMD cardiomyopathy treatments. Here we demonstrate that upregulation of Wilms' tumor 1 (Wt1) gene in epicardial cells increased cardiac fibrosis and impaired cardiac function in 8-month old mdx mice lacking the RNA component of telomerase (mdx/mTR-/-). Levels of phosphorylated IƙBα and p65 significantly rose in mdx/mTR-/- dystrophic hearts and Wt1 expression declined in the epicardium of mdx/mTR-/- mice when nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and inflammation were inhibited by metformin. This demonstrates that Wt1 expression in epicardial cells is dependent on inflammation-triggered NF-κB activation. Metformin effectively prevented cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac function in mdx/mTR-/- mice. Our study demonstrates that upregulation of Wt1 in epicardial cells contributes to fibrosis in dystrophic hearts and metformin-mediated inhibition of NF-κB can ameliorate the pathology, and thus showing clinical potential for dystrophic cardiomyopathy. Translational Perspective: Cardiomyopathy is a major cause of mortality in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Promising exon-skipping treatments are moving to the clinic, but getting sufficient dystrophin expression in the heart has proven challenging. The present study shows that Wilms' Tumor 1 (Wt1) upregulation in epicardial cells is primarily responsible for cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction of dystrophic mice and likely of DMD patients. Metformin effectively prevents cardiac fibrosis and improves cardiac function in dystrophic mice, thus representing a treatment option for DMD patients on top of existing therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenglong Guo
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases & School of Medical Technology & Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Guangdong Road, Tianjin, 300203, China
- Medical Genetic Institute of Henan Province, Henan Provincial Key laboratory of Genetic Diseases and Functional Genomics, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Mengyuan Geng
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases & School of Medical Technology & Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Guangdong Road, Tianjin, 300203, China
| | - Yuting Huang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changling Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Gang Han
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases & School of Medical Technology & Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Guangdong Road, Tianjin, 300203, China
| | - Renwei Jing
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases & School of Medical Technology & Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Guangdong Road, Tianjin, 300203, China
| | - Caorui Lin
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases & School of Medical Technology & Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Guangdong Road, Tianjin, 300203, China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Guanwei Fan
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changling Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Genetics, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - HaiFang Yin
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases & School of Medical Technology & Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Guangdong Road, Tianjin, 300203, China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gosselin MRF, Mournetas V, Borczyk M, Verma S, Occhipinti A, Róg J, Bozycki L, Korostynski M, Robson SC, Angione C, Pinset C, Gorecki DC. Loss of full-length dystrophin expression results in major cell-autonomous abnormalities in proliferating myoblasts. eLife 2022; 11:75521. [PMID: 36164827 PMCID: PMC9514850 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) affects myofibers and muscle stem cells, causing progressive muscle degeneration and repair defects. It was unknown whether dystrophic myoblasts—the effector cells of muscle growth and regeneration—are affected. Using transcriptomic, genome-scale metabolic modelling and functional analyses, we demonstrate, for the first time, convergent abnormalities in primary mouse and human dystrophic myoblasts. In Dmdmdx myoblasts lacking full-length dystrophin, the expression of 170 genes was significantly altered. Myod1 and key genes controlled by MyoD (Myog, Mymk, Mymx, epigenetic regulators, ECM interactors, calcium signalling and fibrosis genes) were significantly downregulated. Gene ontology analysis indicated enrichment in genes involved in muscle development and function. Functionally, we found increased myoblast proliferation, reduced chemotaxis and accelerated differentiation, which are all essential for myoregeneration. The defects were caused by the loss of expression of full-length dystrophin, as similar and not exacerbated alterations were observed in dystrophin-null Dmdmdx-βgeo myoblasts. Corresponding abnormalities were identified in human DMD primary myoblasts and a dystrophic mouse muscle cell line, confirming the cross-species and cell-autonomous nature of these defects. The genome-scale metabolic analysis in human DMD myoblasts showed alterations in the rate of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, leukotriene metabolism, and mitochondrial beta-oxidation of various fatty acids. These results reveal the disease continuum: DMD defects in satellite cells, the myoblast dysfunction affecting muscle regeneration, which is insufficient to counteract muscle loss due to myofiber instability. Contrary to the established belief, our data demonstrate that DMD abnormalities occur in myoblasts, making these cells a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of this lethal disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxime R F Gosselin
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | | | - Malgorzata Borczyk
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Maj Institute of Pharmacology PAS, Krakow, Poland
| | - Suraj Verma
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - Annalisa Occhipinti
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - Justyna Róg
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom.,Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lukasz Bozycki
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom.,Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Korostynski
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Maj Institute of Pharmacology PAS, Krakow, Poland
| | - Samuel C Robson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom.,Centre for Enzyme Innovation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Claudio Angione
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dariusz C Gorecki
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hildyard JC, Riddell DO, Harron RC, Rawson F, Foster EM, Massey C, Taylor-Brown F, Wells DJ, Piercy RJ. The skeletal muscle phenotype of the DE50-MD dog model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:238. [PMID: 36865375 PMCID: PMC9971692 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18251.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are essential to study disease progression and assess efficacy of therapeutic intervention, however dystrophic mice fail to display a clinically relevant phenotype, limiting translational utility. Dystrophin-deficient dogs exhibit disease similar to humans, making them increasingly important for late-stage preclinical evaluation of candidate therapeutics. The DE50-MD canine model of DMD carries a mutation within a human 'hotspot' region of the dystrophin gene, amenable to exon-skipping and gene editing strategies. As part of a large natural history study of disease progression, we have characterised the DE50-MD skeletal muscle phenotype to identify parameters that could serve as efficacy biomarkers in future preclinical trials. Methods: Vastus lateralis muscles were biopsied from a large cohort of DE50-MD dogs and healthy male littermates at 3-monthly intervals (3-18 months) for longitudinal analysis, with multiple muscles collected post-mortem to evaluate body-wide changes. Pathology was characterised quantitatively using histology and measurement of gene expression to determine statistical power and sample sizes appropriate for future work. Results: DE50-MD skeletal muscle exhibits widespread degeneration/regeneration, fibrosis, atrophy and inflammation. Degenerative/inflammatory changes peak during the first year of life, while fibrotic remodelling appears more gradual. Pathology is similar in most skeletal muscles, but in the diaphragm, fibrosis is more prominent, associated with fibre splitting and pathological hypertrophy. Picrosirius red and acid phosphatase staining represent useful quantitative histological biomarkers for fibrosis and inflammation respectively, while qPCR can be used to measure regeneration ( MYH3, MYH8), fibrosis ( COL1A1), inflammation ( SPP1), and stability of DE50-MD dp427 transcripts. Conclusion: The DE50-MD dog is a valuable model of DMD, with pathological features similar to young, ambulant human patients. Sample size and power calculations show that our panel of muscle biomarkers are of strong pre-clinical value, able to detect therapeutic improvements of even 25%, using trials with only six animals per group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John C.W. Hildyard
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK,
| | - Dominique O. Riddell
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK
| | - Rachel C.M. Harron
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK
| | - Faye Rawson
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK,Langford Veterinary Services, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Emma M.A. Foster
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK
| | - Claire Massey
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK
| | - Frances Taylor-Brown
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK,Cave Veterinary Specialists, George's Farm, West Buckland, UK
| | - Dominic J. Wells
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK
| | - Richard J. Piercy
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK,
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Christie M, Friesen Westley J, Suresh B, Baiazitov Ramil Y, Wu D, Karloff Diane B, Chang-Sun L, Young-Choon M, Hongyu R, Jairo S, Yuki T, Priya V, Welch Ellen M, Xiaojiao X, Jin Z. Guanidino Quinazolines and Pyrimidines Promote Readthrough of Premature Termination Codons in Cells with Native Nonsense Mutations. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 76:128989. [PMID: 36150638 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128989] [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: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Using small molecules to induce readthrough of premature termination codons is a promising therapeutic approach to treating genetic diseases and cancers caused by nonsense mutations, as evidenced by the widespread use of ataluren to treat nonsense mutation Duchene muscular dystrophy. Herein we describe a series of novel guanidino quinazoline and pyrimidine scaffolds that induce readthrough in both HDQ-P1 mammary carcinoma cells and mdx myotubes. Linkage of basic, tertiary amines with aliphatic, hydrophobic substituents to the terminal guanidine nitrogen of these scaffolds led to significant potency increases. Further potency gains were achieved by flanking the pyrimidine ring with hydrophobic substituents, inducing readthrough at concentrations as low as 120 nM and demonstrating the potential of these compounds to be used either in combination with ataluren or as stand-alone therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morrill Christie
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - J Friesen Westley
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Babu Suresh
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Y Baiazitov Ramil
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Du Wu
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - B Karloff Diane
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Lee Chang-Sun
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Moon Young-Choon
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Ren Hongyu
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Sierra Jairo
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Tomizawa Yuki
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Vazirani Priya
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - M Welch Ellen
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Xue Xiaojiao
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Zhuo Jin
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ritter P, Nübler S, Buttgereit A, Smith LR, Mühlberg A, Bauer J, Michael M, Kreiß L, Haug M, Barton E, Friedrich O. Myofibrillar Lattice Remodeling Is a Structural Cytoskeletal Predictor of Diaphragm Muscle Weakness in a Fibrotic mdx ( mdx Cmah-/-) Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810841. [PMID: 36142754 PMCID: PMC9500669 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a degenerative genetic myopathy characterized by complete absence of dystrophin. Although the mdx mouse lacks dystrophin, its phenotype is milder compared to DMD patients. The incorporation of a null mutation in the Cmah gene led to a more DMD-like phenotype (i.e., more fibrosis). Although fibrosis is thought to be the major determinant of ‘structural weakness’, intracellular remodeling of myofibrillar geometry was shown to be a major cellular determinant thereof. To dissect the respective contribution to muscle weakness, we assessed biomechanics and extra- and intracellular architecture of whole muscle and single fibers from extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and diaphragm. Despite increased collagen contents in both muscles, passive stiffness in mdx Cmah−/− diaphragm was similar to wt mice (EDL muscles were twice as stiff). Isometric twitch and tetanic stresses were 50% reduced in mdx Cmah−/− diaphragm (15% in EDL). Myofibrillar architecture was severely compromised in mdx Cmah−/− single fibers of both muscle types, but more pronounced in diaphragm. Our results show that the mdx Cmah−/− genotype reproduces DMD-like fibrosis but is not associated with changes in passive visco-elastic muscle stiffness. Furthermore, detriments in active isometric force are compatible with the pronounced myofibrillar disarray of the dystrophic background.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Ritter
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefanie Nübler
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Buttgereit
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lucas R. Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Alexander Mühlberg
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julian Bauer
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mena Michael
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lucas Kreiß
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Haug
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Barton
- College of Health & Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Oliver Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Wallace Wurth Building, 18 High Str., Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Demonbreun AR, Bogdanovic E, Vaught LA, Reiser NL, Fallon KS, Long AM, Oosterbaan CC, Hadhazy M, Page PG, Joseph PRB, Cowen G, Telenson AM, Khatri A, Sadleir KR, Vassar R, McNally EM. A conserved annexin A6-mediated membrane repair mechanism in muscle, heart, and nerve. JCI Insight 2022; 7:158107. [PMID: 35866481 PMCID: PMC9431694 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.158107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane instability and disruption underlie myriad acute and chronic disorders. Anxa6 encodes the membrane-associated protein annexin A6 and was identified as a genetic modifier of muscle repair and muscular dystrophy. To evaluate annexin A6’s role in membrane repair in vivo, we inserted sequences encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) into the last coding exon of Anxa6. Heterozygous Anxa6gfp mice expressed a normal pattern of annexin A6 with reduced annexin A6GFP mRNA and protein. High-resolution imaging of wounded muscle fibers showed annexin A6GFP rapidly formed a repair cap at the site of injury. Injured cardiomyocytes and neurons also displayed repair caps after wounding, highlighting annexin A6–mediated repair caps as a feature in multiple cell types. Using surface plasmon resonance, we showed recombinant annexin A6 bound phosphatidylserine-containing lipids in a Ca2+- and dose-dependent fashion with appreciable binding at approximately 50 μM Ca2+. Exogenously added recombinant annexin A6 localized to repair caps and improved muscle membrane repair capacity in a dose-dependent fashion without disrupting endogenous annexin A6 localization, indicating annexin A6 promotes repair from both intracellular and extracellular compartments. Thus, annexin A6 orchestrates repair in multiple cell types, and recombinant annexin A6 may be useful in additional chronic disorders beyond skeletal muscle myopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Bogdanovic
- Center for Genetic Medicine.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lauren A Vaught
- Center for Genetic Medicine.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nina L Reiser
- Center for Genetic Medicine.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Katherine S Fallon
- Center for Genetic Medicine.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ashlee M Long
- Center for Genetic Medicine.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Claire C Oosterbaan
- Center for Genetic Medicine.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michele Hadhazy
- Center for Genetic Medicine.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - Gabrielle Cowen
- Center for Genetic Medicine.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Ammaarah Khatri
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Katherine R Sadleir
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Robert Vassar
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Elizabeth M McNally
- Center for Genetic Medicine.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Rumney RMH, Róg J, Chira N, Kao AP, Al-Khalidi R, Górecki DC. P2X7 Purinoceptor Affects Ectopic Calcification of Dystrophic Muscles. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:935804. [PMID: 35910348 PMCID: PMC9333129 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.935804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ectopic calcification (EC) of myofibers is a pathological feature of muscle damage in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Mineralisation of muscle tissue occurs concomitantly with macrophage infiltration, suggesting a link between ectopic mineral deposition and inflammation. One potential link is the P2X7 purinoceptor, a key trigger of inflammation, which is expressed on macrophages but also up-regulated in dystrophic muscle cells. To investigate the role of P2X7 in dystrophic calcification, we utilised the Dmdmdx-βgeo dystrophin-null mouse model of DMD crossed with a global P2X7 knockout (P2rx7−/−) or with our novel P2X7 knockin-knockout mouse (P2x7KiKo), which expresses P2X7 in macrophages but not muscle cells. Total loss of P2X7 increased EC, indicating that P2X7 overexpression is a protective mechanism against dystrophic mineralisation. Given that muscle-specific P2X7 ablation did not affect dystrophic EC, this underlined the role of P2X7 receptor expression on the inflammatory cells. Serum phosphate reflected dystrophic calcification, with the highest serum phosphate levels found in genotypes with the most ectopic mineral. To further investigate the underlying mechanisms, we measured phosphate release from cells in vitro, and found that dystrophic myoblasts released less phosphate than non-dystrophic cells. Treatment with P2X7 antagonists increased phosphate release from both dystrophic and control myoblasts indicating that muscle cells are a potential source of secreted phosphate while macrophages protect against ectopic mineralisation. Treatment of cells with high phosphate media engendered mineral deposition, which was decreased in the presence of the P2X7 agonist BzATP, particularly in cultures of dystrophic cells, further supporting a protective role for P2X7 against ectopic mineralisation in dystrophic muscle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin M. H. Rumney
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Justyna Róg
- Department of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Chira
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander P. Kao
- Zeiss Global Centre, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Rasha Al-Khalidi
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Dariusz C. Górecki
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw, Poland
- *Correspondence: Dariusz C. Górecki,
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Mashinchian O, De Franceschi F, Nassiri S, Michaud J, Migliavacca E, Aouad P, Metairon S, Pruvost S, Karaz S, Fabre P, Molina T, Stuelsatz P, Hegde N, Le Moal E, Dammone G, Dumont NA, Lutolf MP, Feige JN, Bentzinger CF. An engineered multicellular stem cell niche for the 3D derivation of human myogenic progenitors from iPSCs. EMBO J 2022; 41:e110655. [PMID: 35703167 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022110655] [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: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Fate decisions in the embryo are controlled by a plethora of microenvironmental interactions in a three-dimensional niche. To investigate whether aspects of this microenvironmental complexity can be engineered to direct myogenic human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) differentiation, we here screened murine cell types present in the developmental or adult stem cell niche in heterotypic suspension embryoids. We identified embryonic endothelial cells and fibroblasts as highly permissive for myogenic specification of hiPSCs. After two weeks of sequential Wnt and FGF pathway induction, these three-component embryoids are enriched in Pax7-positive embryonic-like myogenic progenitors that can be isolated by flow cytometry. Myogenic differentiation of hiPSCs in heterotypic embryoids relies on a specialized structural microenvironment and depends on MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and Notch signaling. After transplantation in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, embryonic-like myogenic progenitors repopulate the stem cell niche, reactivate after repeated injury, and, compared to adult human myoblasts, display enhanced fusion and lead to increased muscle function. Altogether, we provide a two-week protocol for efficient and scalable suspension-based 3D derivation of Pax7-positive myogenic progenitors from hiPSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omid Mashinchian
- Nestlé Research, Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland.,School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Sina Nassiri
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joris Michaud
- Nestlé Research, Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Patrick Aouad
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sylviane Metairon
- Nestlé Research, Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Solenn Pruvost
- Nestlé Research, Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Karaz
- Nestlé Research, Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paul Fabre
- Faculty of Medicine, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Thomas Molina
- Faculty of Medicine, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pascal Stuelsatz
- Nestlé Research, Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nagabhooshan Hegde
- Nestlé Research, Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Emmeran Le Moal
- Département de pharmacologie-physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Gabriele Dammone
- Nestlé Research, Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas A Dumont
- Faculty of Medicine, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Matthias P Lutolf
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences and School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, School of Basic Science, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jerome N Feige
- Nestlé Research, Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland.,School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - C Florian Bentzinger
- Nestlé Research, Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Département de pharmacologie-physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kandasamy P, McClorey G, Shimizu M, Kothari N, Alam R, Iwamoto N, Kumarasamy J, Bommineni GR, Bezigian A, Chivatakarn O, Butler DC, Byrne M, Chwalenia K, Davies KE, Desai J, Shelke JD, Durbin AF, Ellerington R, Edwards B, Godfrey J, Hoss A, Liu F, Longo K, Lu G, Marappan S, Oieni J, Paik IH, Estabrook EP, Shivalila C, Tischbein M, Kawamoto T, Rinaldi C, Rajão-Saraiva J, Tripathi S, Yang H, Yin Y, Zhao X, Zhou C, Zhang J, Apponi L, Wood MJ, Vargeese C. Control of backbone chemistry and chirality boost oligonucleotide splice switching activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:5443-5466. [PMID: 35061895 PMCID: PMC9178015 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although recent regulatory approval of splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) for the treatment of neuromuscular disease such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy has been an advance for the splice-switching field, current SSO chemistries have shown limited clinical benefit due to poor pharmacology. To overcome limitations of existing technologies, we engineered chimeric stereopure oligonucleotides with phosphorothioate (PS) and phosphoryl guanidine-containing (PN) backbones. We demonstrate that these chimeric stereopure oligonucleotides have markedly improved pharmacology and efficacy compared with PS-modified oligonucleotides, preventing premature death and improving median survival from 49 days to at least 280 days in a dystrophic mouse model with an aggressive phenotype. These data demonstrate that chemical optimization alone can profoundly impact oligonucleotide pharmacology and highlight the potential for continued innovation around the oligonucleotide backbone. More specifically, we conclude that chimeric stereopure oligonucleotides are a promising splice-switching modality with potential for the treatment of neuromuscular and other genetic diseases impacting difficult to reach tissues such as the skeletal muscle and heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Graham McClorey
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Katarzyna Chwalenia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Kay E Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | | | | | | | - Ruth Ellerington
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Ben Edwards
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | | | | | | | - Kenneth Longo
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 9DU, UK
| | | | | | - Jacopo Oieni
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlo Rinaldi
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 9DU, UK
| | - Joana Rajão-Saraiva
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | | | | | - Yuan Yin
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Cong Zhou
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 9DU, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Naito-Matsui Y. Physiological Significance of Animal- and Tissue-specific Sialic Acid Composition. TRENDS GLYCOSCI GLYC 2022. [DOI: 10.4052/tigg.2036.1j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
44
|
Naito-Matsui Y. Physiological Significance of Animal- and Tissue-specific Sialic Acid Composition. TRENDS GLYCOSCI GLYC 2022. [DOI: 10.4052/tigg.2036.1e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
45
|
Svetlove A, Albers J, Hülsmann S, Markus MA, Zschüntzsch J, Alves F, Dullin C. Non-Invasive Optical Motion Tracking Allows Monitoring of Respiratory Dynamics in Dystrophin-Deficient Mice. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050918. [PMID: 35269540 PMCID: PMC8909479 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common x-chromosomal inherited dystrophinopathy which leads to progressive muscle weakness and a premature death due to cardiorespiratory dysfunction. The mdx mouse lacks functional dystrophin protein and has a comparatively human-like diaphragm phenotype. To date, diaphragm function can only be inadequately mapped in preclinical studies and a simple reliable translatable method of tracking the severity of the disease still lacks. We aimed to establish a sensitive, reliable, harmless and easy way to assess the effects of respiratory muscle weakness and subsequent irregularity in breathing pattern. Optical respiratory dynamics tracking (ORDT) was developed utilising a camera to track the movement of paper markers placed on the thoracic-abdominal region of the mouse. ORDT successfully distinguished diseased mdx phenotype from healthy controls by measuring significantly higher expiration constants (k) in mdx mice compared to wildtype (wt), which were also observed in the established X-ray based lung function (XLF). In contrast to XLF, with ORDT we were able to distinguish distinct fast and slow expiratory phases. In mdx mice, a larger part of the expiratory marker displacement was achieved in this initial fast phase as compared to wt mice. This phenomenon could not be observed in the XLF measurements. We further validated the simplicity and reliability of our approach by demonstrating that it can be performed using free-hand smartphone acquisition. We conclude that ORDT has a great preclinical potential to monitor DMD and other neuromuscular diseases based on changes in the breathing patterns with the future possibility to track therapy response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Svetlove
- Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (A.S.); (M.A.M.); (F.A.)
| | - Jonas Albers
- X-ray Based Preclinical Imaging Technologies, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Swen Hülsmann
- Central Breathing Control, Clinic for Anesthesiology, University Medical Center, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Marietta Andrea Markus
- Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (A.S.); (M.A.M.); (F.A.)
| | - Jana Zschüntzsch
- Neuromuscular Disease Research, Clinic for Neurology, University Medical Center, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Frauke Alves
- Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (A.S.); (M.A.M.); (F.A.)
- X-ray Based Preclinical Imaging Technologies, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
- Clinic for Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Multiscale Bioimaging—From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells, Cluster of Excellence (MBExC), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Dullin
- X-ray Based Preclinical Imaging Technologies, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Development of DG9 peptide-conjugated single- and multi-exon skipping therapies for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2112546119. [PMID: 35193974 PMCID: PMC8892351 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2112546119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal disorder of progressive body-wide muscle weakness, considered the most common muscular dystrophy worldwide. Most patients have out-of-frame deletions in the DMD gene, leading to dystrophin absence in muscle. There is no cure for DMD, but exon skipping is emerging as a potential therapy that uses antisense oligonucleotides to convert out-of-frame to in-frame mutations, enabling the production of truncated, partially functional dystrophin. Currently approved exon skipping therapies, however, have limited applicability and efficacy. Here, we developed a more economical approach to skip DMD exons 45 to 55 (a strategy that could treat nearly half of all DMD patients) and identified DG9 peptide conjugation as a powerful way to improve exon skipping efficiencies in vivo. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is primarily caused by out-of-frame deletions in the dystrophin gene. Exon skipping using phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) converts out-of-frame to in-frame mutations, producing partially functional dystrophin. Four single-exon skipping PMOs are approved for DMD but treat only 8 to 14% of patients each, and some exhibit poor efficacy. Alternatively, exons 45 to 55 skipping could treat 40 to 47% of all patients and is associated with improved clinical outcomes. Here, we report the development of peptide-conjugated PMOs for exons 45 to 55 skipping. Experiments with immortalized patient myotubes revealed that exons 45 to 55 could be skipped by targeting as few as five exons. We also found that conjugating DG9, a cell-penetrating peptide, to PMOs improved single-exon 51 skipping, dystrophin restoration, and muscle function in hDMDdel52;mdx mice. Local administration of a minimized exons 45 to 55–skipping DG9-PMO mixture restored dystrophin production. This study provides proof of concept toward the development of a more economical and effective exons 45 to 55–skipping DMD therapy.
Collapse
|
47
|
Erkut E, Yokota T. CRISPR Therapeutics for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031832. [PMID: 35163754 PMCID: PMC8836469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive neuromuscular disorder with a prevalence of approximately 1 in 3500–5000 males. DMD manifests as childhood-onset muscle degeneration, followed by loss of ambulation, cardiomyopathy, and death in early adulthood due to a lack of functional dystrophin protein. Out-of-frame mutations in the dystrophin gene are the most common underlying cause of DMD. Gene editing via the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system is a promising therapeutic for DMD, as it can permanently correct DMD mutations and thus restore the reading frame, allowing for the production of functional dystrophin. The specific mechanism of gene editing can vary based on a variety of factors such as the number of cuts generated by CRISPR, the presence of an exogenous DNA template, or the current cell cycle stage. CRISPR-mediated gene editing for DMD has been tested both in vitro and in vivo, with many of these studies discussed herein. Additionally, novel modifications to the CRISPR system such as base or prime editors allow for more precise gene editing. Despite recent advances, limitations remain including delivery efficiency, off-target mutagenesis, and long-term maintenance of dystrophin. Further studies focusing on safety and accuracy of the CRISPR system are necessary prior to clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esra Erkut
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 8613-114 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada;
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 8613-114 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada;
- The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research & Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, 8613-114 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1(780)-492-1102
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Dysregulated Autophagy and Mitophagy in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Remain Unchanged Following Heme Oxygenase-1 Knockout. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010470. [PMID: 35008897 PMCID: PMC8745437 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of autophagy may contribute to the progression of various muscle diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1, encoded by Hmox1), a heme-degrading enzyme, may alleviate symptoms of DMD, inter alia, through anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we determined the role of HO-1 in the regulation of autophagy and mitophagy in mdx animals, a commonly used mouse model of the disease. In the gastrocnemius of 6-week-old DMD mice, the mRNA level of mitophagy markers: Bnip3 and Pink1, as well as autophagy regulators, e.g., Becn1, Map1lc3b, Sqstm1, and Atg7, was decreased. In the dystrophic diaphragm, changes in the latter were less prominent. In older, 12-week-old dystrophic mice, diminished expressions of Pink1 and Sqstm1 with upregulation of Atg5, Atg7, and Lamp1 was depicted. Interestingly, we demonstrated higher protein levels of autophagy regulator, LC3, in dystrophic muscles. Although the lack of Hmox1 in mdx mice influenced blood cell count and the abundance of profibrotic proteins, no striking differences in mRNA and protein levels of autophagy and mitophagy markers were found. In conclusion, we demonstrated complex, tissue, and age-dependent dysregulation of mitophagic and autophagic markers in DMD mice, which are not affected by the additional lack of Hmox1.
Collapse
|
49
|
Relizani K, Echevarría L, Zarrouki F, Gastaldi C, Dambrune C, Aupy P, Haeberli A, Komisarski M, Tensorer T, Larcher T, Svinartchouk F, Vaillend C, Garcia L, Goyenvalle A. Palmitic acid conjugation enhances potency of tricyclo-DNA splice switching oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:17-34. [PMID: 34893881 PMCID: PMC8754652 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tricyclo-DNA (tcDNA) is a conformationally constrained oligonucleotide analog that has demonstrated great therapeutic potential as antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) for several diseases. Like most ASOs in clinical development, tcDNA were modified with phosphorothioate (PS) backbone for therapeutic purposes in order to improve their biodistribution by enhancing association with plasma and cell protein. Despite the advantageous protein binding properties, systemic delivery of PS-ASO remains limited and PS modifications can result in dose limiting toxicities in the clinic. Improving extra-hepatic delivery of ASO is highly desirable for the treatment of a variety of diseases including neuromuscular disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We hypothesized that conjugation of palmitic acid to tcDNA could facilitate the delivery of the ASO from the bloodstream to the interstitium of the muscle tissues. We demonstrate here that palmitic acid conjugation enhances the potency of tcDNA-ASO in skeletal and cardiac muscles, leading to functional improvement in dystrophic mice with significantly reduced dose of administered ASO. Interestingly, palmitic acid-conjugated tcDNA with a full phosphodiester backbone proved effective with a particularly encouraging safety profile, offering new perspectives for the clinical development of PS-free tcDNA-ASO for neuromuscular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karima Relizani
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000 Versailles, France.,SQY Therapeutics, UVSQ, 78180 Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Lucía Echevarría
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000 Versailles, France.,SQY Therapeutics, UVSQ, 78180 Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Faouzi Zarrouki
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000 Versailles, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris Saclay, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Chloe Dambrune
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000 Versailles, France
| | - Philippine Aupy
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000 Versailles, France
| | | | | | - Thomas Tensorer
- SQY Therapeutics, UVSQ, 78180 Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,SYNTHENA AG, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Cyrille Vaillend
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris Saclay, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Luis Garcia
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000 Versailles, France.,LIA BAHN, centre scientifique de Monaco, 98000, Monaco
| | - Aurélie Goyenvalle
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000 Versailles, France.,LIA BAHN, centre scientifique de Monaco, 98000, Monaco
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Lim KRQ, Shah MNA, Woo S, Wilton-Clark H, Zhabyeyev P, Wang F, Maruyama R, Oudit GY, Yokota T. Natural History of a Mouse Model Overexpressing the Dp71 Dystrophin Isoform. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312617. [PMID: 34884423 PMCID: PMC8657860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin is a 427 kDa protein that stabilizes muscle cell membranes through interactions with the cytoskeleton and various membrane-associated proteins. Loss of dystrophin as in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) causes progressive skeletal muscle weakness and cardiac dysfunction. Multiple promoters along the dystrophin gene (DMD) give rise to a number of shorter isoforms. Of interest is Dp71, a 71 kDa isoform implicated in DMD pathology by various animal and patient studies. Strong evidence supporting such a role for Dp71, however, is lacking. Here, we use del52;WT mice to understand how Dp71 overexpression affects skeletal and cardiac muscle phenotypes. Apart from the mouse Dmd gene, del52;WT mice are heterozygous for a full-length, exon 52-deleted human DMD transgene expected to only permit Dp71 expression in muscle. Thus, del52;WT mice overexpress Dp71 through both the human and murine dystrophin genes. We observed elevated Dp71 protein in del52;WT mice, significantly higher than wild-type in the heart but not the tibialis anterior. Moreover, del52;WT mice had generally normal skeletal muscle but impaired cardiac function, exhibiting significant systolic dysfunction as early as 3 months. No histological abnormalities were found in the tibialis anterior and heart. Our results suggest that Dp71 overexpression may have more detrimental effects on the heart than on skeletal muscles, providing insight into the role of Dp71 in DMD pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Rowel Q. Lim
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada; (K.R.Q.L.); (M.N.A.S.); (S.W.); (H.W.-C.); (R.M.)
| | - Md Nur Ahad Shah
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada; (K.R.Q.L.); (M.N.A.S.); (S.W.); (H.W.-C.); (R.M.)
| | - Stanley Woo
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada; (K.R.Q.L.); (M.N.A.S.); (S.W.); (H.W.-C.); (R.M.)
| | - Harry Wilton-Clark
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada; (K.R.Q.L.); (M.N.A.S.); (S.W.); (H.W.-C.); (R.M.)
| | - Pavel Zhabyeyev
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2G3, Canada; (P.Z.); (F.W.)
| | - Faqi Wang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2G3, Canada; (P.Z.); (F.W.)
| | - Rika Maruyama
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada; (K.R.Q.L.); (M.N.A.S.); (S.W.); (H.W.-C.); (R.M.)
| | - Gavin Y. Oudit
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2G3, Canada; (P.Z.); (F.W.)
- Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2B7, Canada
- Correspondence: (G.Y.O.); (T.Y.)
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada; (K.R.Q.L.); (M.N.A.S.); (S.W.); (H.W.-C.); (R.M.)
- Muscular Dystrophy Canada Research Chair, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada
- Correspondence: (G.Y.O.); (T.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|