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Drzeniek NM, Kahwaji N, Picht S, Dimitriou IM, Schlickeiser S, Moradian H, Geissler S, Schmueck-Henneresse M, Gossen M, Volk HD. In Vitro Transcribed mRNA Immunogenicity Induces Chemokine-Mediated Lymphocyte Recruitment and Can Be Gradually Tailored by Uridine Modification. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308447. [PMID: 38491873 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Beyond SARS-CoV2 vaccines, mRNA drugs are being explored to overcome today's greatest healthcare burdens, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Synthetic mRNA triggers immune responses in transfected cells, which can be reduced by chemically modified nucleotides. However, the side effects of mRNA-triggered immune activation on cell function and how different nucleotides, such as the N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ) used in SARS-CoV2 vaccines, can modulate cellular responses is not fully understood. Here, cellular responses toward a library of uridine-modified mRNAs are investigated in primary human cells. Targeted proteomics analyses reveal that unmodified mRNA induces a pro-inflammatory paracrine pattern marked by the secretion of chemokines, which recruit T and B lymphocytes toward transfected cells. Importantly, the magnitude of mRNA-induced changes in cell function varies quantitatively between unmodified, Ψ-, m1Ψ-, and 5moU-modified mRNA and can be gradually tailored, with implications for deliberately exploiting this effect in mRNA drug design. Indeed, both the immunosuppressive effect of stromal cells on T-cell proliferation, and the anti-inflammatory effect of IL-10 mRNA are enhanced by appropriate uridine modification. The results provide new insights into the effects of mRNA drugs on cell function and cell-cell communication and open new possibilities to tailor mRNA-triggered immune activation to the desired pro- or anti-inflammatory application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman M Drzeniek
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universitaet Berlin and Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Immunology, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Föhrer Straße 15, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nourhan Kahwaji
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Föhrer Straße 15, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Samira Picht
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Föhrer Straße 15, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT; graduate school 203 of the German Excellence Initiative), Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ioanna Maria Dimitriou
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Föhrer Straße 15, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT; graduate school 203 of the German Excellence Initiative), Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Julius Wolff Institute (JWI), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Schlickeiser
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universitaet Berlin and Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Immunology, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Föhrer Straße 15, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- CheckImmune GmbH, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hanieh Moradian
- Institute of Active Polymers, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Kantstraße 55, 14513, Teltow, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Geissler
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Föhrer Straße 15, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Julius Wolff Institute (JWI), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Schmueck-Henneresse
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Föhrer Straße 15, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred Gossen
- Institute of Active Polymers, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Kantstraße 55, 14513, Teltow, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Dieter Volk
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universitaet Berlin and Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Immunology, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Föhrer Straße 15, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- CheckImmune GmbH, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
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Tang Q, Khvorova A. RNAi-based drug design: considerations and future directions. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:341-364. [PMID: 38570694 PMCID: PMC11144061 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00912-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
More than 25 years after its discovery, the post-transcriptional gene regulation mechanism termed RNAi is now transforming pharmaceutical development, proved by the recent FDA approval of multiple small interfering RNA (siRNA) drugs that target the liver. Synthetic siRNAs that trigger RNAi have the potential to specifically silence virtually any therapeutic target with unprecedented potency and durability. Bringing this innovative class of medicines to patients, however, has been riddled with substantial challenges, with delivery issues at the forefront. Several classes of siRNA drug are under clinical evaluation, but their utility in treating extrahepatic diseases remains limited, demanding continued innovation. In this Review, we discuss principal considerations and future directions in the design of therapeutic siRNAs, with a particular emphasis on chemistry, the application of informatics, delivery strategies and the importance of careful target selection, which together influence therapeutic success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Tang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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3
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Donati F, Biasini GM, de la Torre X, Botrè F. Serum myokines as potential biomarkers of myostatin inhibition in sport doping: a preliminary study on their baseline levels in elite athletes. Biol Sport 2024; 41:175-183. [PMID: 38524822 PMCID: PMC10955737 DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2024.132982] [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] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
We considered in this study the possibility of developing an indirect procedure for detecting myostatin inhibition/suppression, a practice that is prohibited as doping in sport. We have specifically considered the potential diagnostic utility of human serum myokines as indirect markers of myostatin inhibition. Myostatin, its main antagonist follistatin, and other myokines (follistatin-like 1, musclin, oncostatin, osteonectin, irisin, brain derived neurotrophic factor, and insulin-like growth factor-1) were selected as a panel of potential biomarkers whose levels may be altered following myostatine suppression. The serum levels of myostatin and of the nine myokines were measured in elite athletes of different age, sex, and sport discipline, and their cross correlation assessed by multivariate analysis. All myokines resulted to be measurable in human serum, except for musclin and irisine, whose levels were below the limits of quantitation in a reduced number of samples. Serum concentrations varied of different orders in magnitude (musclin and osteonectin < 1 ng/mL; follistatin, myostatine and irisine 1-5 ng/mL; brainderived neurotrophic factor, follistatin-like 1 and iinsulin-like growth factor-1 > 10 ng/mL), while no significant differences were found between female and male subjects, with the exceptions of follistatin-like 1 and musclin, showing a higher concentrations in females (p < 0.05). Levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 and brain derived neurotrophic factor were significantly higher in power athletes than in endurance ones. Multivariate statistics showed that musclin, follistatin-like 1 and oncostatin are more clustered and correlated to myostatin than other myokines, suggesting they could be considered as potential biomarkers of doping by myostatin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Donati
- Laboratorio Antidoping, Federazione Medico Sportiva Italiana, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Xavier de la Torre
- Laboratorio Antidoping, Federazione Medico Sportiva Italiana, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Botrè
- Laboratorio Antidoping, Federazione Medico Sportiva Italiana, Rome, Italy
- REDs – Research and Expertise in anti-Doping sciences, ISSUL – Institute of sport sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne Switzerland
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Sharma G, Banerjee R, Srivastava S. Molecular Mechanisms and the Interplay of Important Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Biomarkers Reveals Novel Therapeutic Targets. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:46376-46389. [PMID: 38107961 PMCID: PMC10719921 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c07480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive, age-dependent, and unmet chronic inflammatory disease of the peripheral airways, leading to difficulty in exhalation. Several biomarkers have been tested in general towards the resolution for a long time, but no apparent success was achieved. Ongoing therapies of COPD have only symptomatic relief but no cure. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive species which include oxygen radicals and nonradical derivatives, and are the prominent players in COPD. They are produced as natural byproducts of cellular metabolism, but their levels can vary due to exposure to indoor air pollution, occupational pollution, and environmental pollutants such as cigarette smoke. In COPD, the lungs are continuously exposed to high levels of ROS thus leading to oxidative stress. ROS can cause damage to cells, proteins, lipids, and DNA which further contributes to the chronic inflammation in COPD and exacerbates the disease condition. Excessive ROS production can overwhelm cellular antioxidant systems and act as signaling molecules that regulate cellular processes, including antioxidant defense mechanisms involving glutathione and sirtuins which further leads to cellular apoptosis, cellular senescence, inflammation, and sarcopenia. In this review paper, we focused on COPD from different perspectives including potential markers and different cellular processes such as apoptosis, cellular senescence, inflammation, sirtuins, and sarcopenia, and tried to connect the dots between them so that novel therapeutic strategies to evaluate and target the possible underlying mechanisms in COPD could be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam Sharma
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Maharashtra 400076, India
| | | | - Sanjeeva Srivastava
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Maharashtra 400076, India
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Potiyanadech W, Choomee C, Chotigeat W. Transcriptome profiling of banana shrimp (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis) ovaries and testes: Insights into FoxL2. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292782. [PMID: 37824467 PMCID: PMC10569530 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The banana shrimp is found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Female shrimp are preferred for consumption because they are larger than males. Understanding the mechanism of sex differentiation is important for developing techniques to increase the number of female shrimp for economic benefits. This study investigates the reproductive development of F. merguiensis using transcriptome analysis. Sxl2, dsx, AGH, FEM-1, and Nrg-X2 were classified as essential genes for testes development during the juvenile stage. Several genes were required for both juvenile and adult male development. Additionally, the expression of several genes was shown to be required for juvenile and adult ovarian development, including SOP1, SOP2, Ptgr1, EST, Vgr, Vmol1, and TR-beta A. Interestingly, high levels of FoxL2 expression were observed in the testes, in contrast to previous studies in humans and other mammals. The binding of FoxL2 to the Vtg promoter was demonstrated in silico with the highest relative binding score (RS = 0.89) using the JASPAR program. Knock-down of the FoxL2 gene with dsRNA significantly suppressed FoxL2 at 2, 4, and 6 d. As a result, Vtg expression increased when compared with the control at 2, 4, and 6 d, indicating that FoxL2 plays an important role in Vtg expression in the ovary. Our findings highlight the role of FoxL2 in banana shrimp reproduction and provide valuable information on the genes associated with the F. merguiensis reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wutthipat Potiyanadech
- Biological Science Division, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Chaturawit Choomee
- Biological Science Division, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Wilaiwan Chotigeat
- Biological Science Division, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
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Setiawan T, Sari IN, Wijaya YT, Julianto NM, Muhammad JA, Lee H, Chae JH, Kwon HY. Cancer cachexia: molecular mechanisms and treatment strategies. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:54. [PMID: 37217930 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01454-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle wasting is a consequence of physiological changes or a pathology characterized by increased catabolic activity that leads to progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Numerous diseases, including cancer, organ failure, infection, and aging-associated diseases, are associated with muscle wasting. Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass, with or without the loss of fat mass, resulting in functional impairment and reduced quality of life. It is caused by the upregulation of systemic inflammation and catabolic stimuli, leading to inhibition of protein synthesis and enhancement of muscle catabolism. Here, we summarize the complex molecular networks that regulate muscle mass and function. Moreover, we describe complex multi-organ roles in cancer cachexia. Although cachexia is one of the main causes of cancer-related deaths, there are still no approved drugs for cancer cachexia. Thus, we compiled recent ongoing pre-clinical and clinical trials and further discussed potential therapeutic approaches for cancer cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Setiawan
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-Si, 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Ita Novita Sari
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-Si, 31151, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yoseph Toni Wijaya
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-Si, 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Nadya Marcelina Julianto
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-Si, 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Jabir Aliyu Muhammad
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-Si, 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeok Lee
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-Si, 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Heon Chae
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-Si, 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyog Young Kwon
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-Si, 31151, Republic of Korea.
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-Si, 31151, Republic of Korea.
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Issa SS, Shaimardanova AA, Solovyeva VV, Rizvanov AA. Various AAV Serotypes and Their Applications in Gene Therapy: An Overview. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050785. [PMID: 36899921 PMCID: PMC10000783 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite scientific discoveries in the field of gene and cell therapy, some diseases still have no effective treatment. Advances in genetic engineering methods have enabled the development of effective gene therapy methods for various diseases based on adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). Today, many AAV-based gene therapy medications are being investigated in preclinical and clinical trials, and new ones are appearing on the market. In this article, we present a review of AAV discovery, properties, different serotypes, and tropism, and a following detailed explanation of their uses in gene therapy for disease of different organs and systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaza S. Issa
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alisa A. Shaimardanova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Valeriya V. Solovyeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Albert A. Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(905)-3167599
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Mitra A, Qaisar R, Bose B, Sudheer SP. The elusive role of myostatin signaling for muscle regeneration and maintenance of muscle and bone homeostasis. Osteoporos Sarcopenia 2023; 9:1-7. [PMID: 37082359 PMCID: PMC10111947 DOI: 10.1016/j.afos.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is one of the leading frameworks of the musculo-skeletal system, which works in synergy with the bones. Long skeletal muscles provide stability and mobility to the human body and are primarily composed of proteins. Conversely, improper functioning of various skeletal muscles leads to diseases and disorders, namely, age-related muscle disorder called sarcopenia, a group of genetic muscle disorders such as muscular dystrophies, and severe muscle wasting in cancer known as cachexia. However, skeletal muscle has an excellent ability to undergo hypertrophy and enhanced functioning during sustained exercise over time. Indeed, these processes of skeletal muscle regeneration/hypertrophy, as well as degeneration and atrophy, involve an interplay of various signaling pathways. Myostatin is one such chemokine/myokine with a significant contribution to muscle regeneration or atrophy in multiple conditions. In this review, we try to put together the role and regulation of myostatin as a function of muscle regeneration extrapolated to multiple aspects of its molecular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Mitra
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Centre, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, Karnataka, India
| | - Rizwan Qaisar
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bipasha Bose
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Centre, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, Karnataka, India
- Corresponding author.
| | - Shenoy P Sudheer
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Centre, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, Karnataka, India
- Corresponding author.
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Are Skeletal Muscle Changes during Prolonged Space Flights Similar to Those Experienced by Frail and Sarcopenic Older Adults? LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12122139. [PMID: 36556504 PMCID: PMC9781047 DOI: 10.3390/life12122139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Microgravity exposure causes several physiological and psychosocial alterations that challenge astronauts' health during space flight. Notably, many of these changes are mostly related to physical inactivity influencing different functional systems and organ biology, in particular the musculoskeletal system, dramatically resulting in aging-like phenotypes, such as those occurring in older persons on Earth. In this sense, sarcopenia, a syndrome characterized by the loss in muscle mass and strength due to skeletal muscle unloading, is undoubtedly one of the most critical aging-like adverse effects of microgravity and a prevalent problem in the geriatric population, still awaiting effective countermeasures. Therefore, there is an urgent demand to identify clinically relevant biological markers and to underline molecular mechanisms behind these effects that are still poorly understood. From this perspective, a lesson from Geroscience may help tailor interventions to counteract the adverse effects of microgravity. For instance, decades of studies in the field have demonstrated that in the older people, the clinical picture of sarcopenia remarkably overlaps (from a clinical and biological point of view) with that of frailty, primarily when referred to the physical function domain. Based on this premise, here we provide a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms of sarcopenia and frailty, which in aging are often considered together, and how these converge with those observed in astronauts after space flight.
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Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a group of genetic disorders characterized by varying degrees of progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. They are clinically and genetically heterogeneous but share the common histological features of dystrophic muscle. There is currently no cure for muscular dystrophies, which is of particular concern for the more disabling and/or lethal forms of the disease. Through the years, several therapies have encouragingly been developed for muscular dystrophies and include genetic, cellular, and pharmacological approaches. In this chapter, we undertake a comprehensive exploration of muscular dystrophy therapeutics under current development. Our review includes antisense therapy, CRISPR, gene replacement, cell therapy, nonsense suppression, and disease-modifying small molecule compounds.
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Waldemer-Streyer RJ, Kim D, Chen J. Muscle cell-derived cytokines in skeletal muscle regeneration. FEBS J 2022; 289:6463-6483. [PMID: 35073461 PMCID: PMC9308828 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Regeneration of the mammalian adult skeletal muscle is a well-orchestrated process regulated by multiple proteins and signalling pathways. Cytokines constitute a major class of regulators of skeletal myogenesis. It is well established that infiltrating immune cells at the site of muscle injury secrete cytokines, which play critical roles in the myofibre repair and regeneration process. In the past 10-15 years, skeletal muscle itself has emerged as a prolific producer of cytokines. Much attention in the field has been focused on the endocrine effects of muscle-secreted cytokines (myokines) on metabolic regulation. However, ample evidence suggests that muscle-derived cytokines also regulate myogenic differentiation and muscle regeneration in an autocrine manner. In this review, we survey cytokines that meet two criteria: (a) evidence of expression by muscle cells; (b) evidence demonstrating a myogenic function. Dozens of cytokines representing several major classes make up this group, and together they regulate all steps of the myogenic process. How such a large array of cytokines coordinate their signalling to form a regulatory network is a fascinating, pressing question. Functional studies that can distinguish the source of the cytokines in vivo are also much needed in order to facilitate exploration of their full therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jie Chen
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 601 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801
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Zamboni M, Mazzali G, Brunelli A, Saatchi T, Urbani S, Giani A, Rossi AP, Zoico E, Fantin F. The Role of Crosstalk between Adipose Cells and Myocytes in the Pathogenesis of Sarcopenic Obesity in the Elderly. Cells 2022; 11:3361. [PMID: 36359757 PMCID: PMC9655977 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As a result of aging, body composition changes, with a decline in muscle mass and an increase in adipose tissue (AT), which reallocates from subcutaneous to visceral depots and stores ectopically in the liver, heart and muscles. Furthermore, with aging, muscle and AT, both of which have recognized endocrine activity, become dysfunctional and contribute, in the case of positive energy balance, to the development of sarcopenic obesity (SO). SO is defined as the co-existence of excess adiposity and low muscle mass and function, and its prevalence increases with age. SO is strongly associated with greater morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of SO is complex and multifactorial. This review focuses mainly on the role of crosstalk between age-related dysfunctional adipose and muscle cells as one of the mechanisms leading to SO. A better understanding of this mechanisms may be useful for development of prevention strategies and treatments aimed at reducing the occurrence of SO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Zamboni
- Geriatrics Division, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatric and Gynecology, Healthy Aging Center, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Gloria Mazzali
- Geriatrics Division, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Brunelli
- Geriatrics Division, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatric and Gynecology, Healthy Aging Center, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Tanaz Saatchi
- Geriatrics Division, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatric and Gynecology, Healthy Aging Center, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Urbani
- Geriatrics Division, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatric and Gynecology, Healthy Aging Center, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Giani
- Geriatrics Division, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatric and Gynecology, Healthy Aging Center, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea P. Rossi
- Geriatrics Division, Department of Medicine, AULSS2, Ospedale Ca’Foncello, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Elena Zoico
- Geriatrics Division, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Fantin
- Geriatrics Division, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
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13
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Talebi R, Ghaffari MR, Zeinalabedini M, Abdoli R, Mardi M. Genetic basis of muscle‐related traits in sheep: A review. Anim Genet 2022; 53:723-739. [DOI: 10.1111/age.13266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Talebi
- Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) Karaj Iran
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture Bu‐Ali Sina University Hamedan Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Ghaffari
- Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) Karaj Iran
| | - Mehrshad Zeinalabedini
- Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) Karaj Iran
| | - Ramin Abdoli
- Iran Silk Research Center Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) Gilan Iran
| | - Mohsen Mardi
- Seed and Plant Certification and Registration Institute of Iran Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) Karaj Iran
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14
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Emerging therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:814-829. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00125-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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15
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Zhang H, Kim HT, Feeley BT, Lin G, Lue TF, Liu M, Banie L, Liu X. Microenergy acoustic pulses promotes muscle regeneration through in situ activation of muscle stem cells. J Orthop Res 2022; 40:1621-1631. [PMID: 34657315 PMCID: PMC9013392 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microenergy acoustic pulses (MAP) is a modified low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy that currently used for treating musculoskeletal disorders. However, its function on muscle regeneration after ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the effect of MAP on muscle injury after IRI and its underlying mechanisms. Ten-week-old C57BL/6J mice underwent unilateral hindlimb IRI followed with or without MAP treatment. Wet weight of tibialis anterior muscles at both injury and contralateral sides were measured followed with histology analysis at 3 weeks after IRI. In in vitro study, the myoblasts, endothelial cells and fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAP) were treated with MAP. Cell proliferation and differentiation were assessed, and related gene expressions were measured by real-time PCR. Our results showed that MAP significantly increased the muscle weight and centrally nucleated regenerating muscle fiber size along with a trend in activating satellite cells. In vitro data indicated that MAP promoted myoblast proliferation and differentiation and endothelial cells migration. MAP also induced FAP brown/beige adipogenesis, a promyogenic phenotype of FAPs. Our findings demonstrate the beneficial function of MAP in promoting muscle regeneration after IR injury by inducing muscle stem cells proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Zhang
- Department of Physical Education, Central South University, Hunan, China,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco Veterans Affair Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hubert T. Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco Veterans Affair Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian T. Feeley
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco Veterans Affair Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guiting Lin
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tom F. Lue
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mengyao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco Veterans Affair Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lia Banie
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xuhui Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco Veterans Affair Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Corresponding author: Xuhui Liu, MD, 1700 Owens Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, Tel: 415-575-0546, Fax: 415-750-2181,
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16
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Abstract
SignificanceUsing CMV as a gene therapy vector we illustrated that CMV can be used therapeutically as a monthly inhaled or intraperitoneally delivered treatment for aging-associated decline. Exogenous telomerase reverse transcriptase or follistatin genes were safely and effectively delivered in a murine model. This treatment significantly improved biomarkers associated with healthy aging, and the mouse lifespan was increased up to 41% without an increased risk of cancer. The impact of this research on an aging population cannot be understated as the global aging-related noncommunicable disease burden quickly rises.
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17
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Ruan T, Harney D, Koay YC, Loo L, Larance M, Caron L. Anabolic Factors and Myokines Improve Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Skeletal Muscle Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11060963. [PMID: 35326414 PMCID: PMC8946006 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle weakness is linked to many adverse health outcomes. Current research to identify new drugs has often been inconclusive due to lack of adequate cellular models. We previously developed a scalable monolayer system to differentiate human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into mature skeletal muscle cells (SkMCs) within 26 days without cell sorting or genetic manipulation. Here, building on our previous work, we show that differentiation and fusion of myotubes can be further enhanced using the anabolic factors testosterone (T) and follistatin (F) in combination with a cocktail of myokines (C). Importantly, combined TFC treatment significantly enhanced both the hESC-SkMC fusion index and the expression levels of various skeletal muscle markers, including the motor protein myosin heavy chain (MyHC). Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis revealed oxidative phosphorylation as the most up-regulated pathway, and a significantly higher level of ATP and increased mitochondrial mass were also observed in TFC-treated hESC-SkMCs, suggesting enhanced energy metabolism is coupled with improved muscle differentiation. This cellular model will be a powerful tool for studying in vitro myogenesis and for drug discovery pertaining to further enhancing muscle development or treating muscle diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Ruan
- Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (T.R.); (L.L.)
| | - Dylan Harney
- Larance Laboratory, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (D.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Yen Chin Koay
- Cardiometabolic Disease Group, Heart Research Institute, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Lipin Loo
- Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (T.R.); (L.L.)
| | - Mark Larance
- Larance Laboratory, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (D.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Leslie Caron
- Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (T.R.); (L.L.)
- MMG, Marseille Medical Genetics, Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM U1251, 13005 Marseille, France
- Correspondence:
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18
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Rodgers BD, Ward CW. Myostatin/Activin Receptor Ligands in Muscle and the Development Status of Attenuating Drugs. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:329-365. [PMID: 34520530 PMCID: PMC8905337 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Muscle wasting disease indications are among the most debilitating and often deadly noncommunicable disease states. As a comorbidity, muscle wasting is associated with different neuromuscular diseases and myopathies, cancer, heart failure, chronic pulmonary and renal diseases, peripheral neuropathies, inflammatory disorders, and, of course, musculoskeletal injuries. Current treatment strategies are relatively ineffective and can at best only limit the rate of muscle degeneration. This includes nutritional supplementation and appetite stimulants as well as immunosuppressants capable of exacerbating muscle loss. Arguably, the most promising treatments in development attempt to disrupt myostatin and activin receptor signaling because these circulating factors are potent inhibitors of muscle growth and regulators of muscle progenitor cell differentiation. Indeed, several studies demonstrated the clinical potential of "inhibiting the inhibitors," increasing muscle cell protein synthesis, decreasing degradation, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis, and preserving muscle function. Such changes can prevent muscle wasting in various disease animal models yet many drugs targeting this pathway failed during clinical trials, some from serious treatment-related adverse events and off-target interactions. More often, however, failures resulted from the inability to improve muscle function despite preserving muscle mass. Drugs still in development include antibodies and gene therapeutics, all with different targets and thus, safety, efficacy, and proposed use profiles. Each is unique in design and, if successful, could revolutionize the treatment of both acute and chronic muscle wasting. They could also be used in combination with other developing therapeutics for related muscle pathologies or even metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher W Ward
- Department of Orthopedics and Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology (BioMET), University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD, USA
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19
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Manini A, Abati E, Nuredini A, Corti S, Comi GP. Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)-Mediated Gene Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: The Issue of Transgene Persistence. Front Neurol 2022; 12:814174. [PMID: 35095747 PMCID: PMC8797140 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.814174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive, infancy-onset neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, leading to delay of motor milestones, loss of autonomous ambulation, respiratory failure, cardiomyopathy, and premature death. DMD originates from mutations in the DMD gene that result in a complete absence of dystrophin. Dystrophin is a cytoskeletal protein which belongs to the dystrophin-associated protein complex, involved in cellular signaling and myofiber membrane stabilization. To date, the few available therapeutic options are aimed at lessening disease progression, but persistent loss of muscle tissue and function and premature death are unavoidable. In this scenario, one of the most promising therapeutic strategies for DMD is represented by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy. DMD gene therapy relies on the administration of exogenous micro-dystrophin, a miniature version of the dystrophin gene lacking unnecessary domains and encoding a truncated, but functional, dystrophin protein. Limited transgene persistence represents one of the most significant issues that jeopardize the translatability of DMD gene replacement strategies from the bench to the bedside. Here, we critically review preclinical and clinical studies of AAV-mediated gene therapy in DMD, focusing on long-term transgene persistence in transduced tissues, which can deeply affect effectiveness and sustainability of gene replacement in DMD. We also discuss the role played by the overactivation of the immune host system in limiting long-term expression of genetic material. In this perspective, further studies aimed at better elucidating the need for immune suppression in AAV-treated subjects are warranted in order to allow for life-long therapy in DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Manini
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Abati
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andi Nuredini
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Neuroscience Section, Dino Ferrari Center, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Neuroscience Section, Dino Ferrari Center, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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20
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Orchard P, Manickam N, Ventresca C, Vadlamudi S, Varshney A, Rai V, Kaplan J, Lalancette C, Mohlke KL, Gallagher K, Burant CF, Parker SCJ. Human and rat skeletal muscle single-nuclei multi-omic integrative analyses nominate causal cell types, regulatory elements, and SNPs for complex traits. Genome Res 2021; 31:2258-2275. [PMID: 34815310 PMCID: PMC8647829 DOI: 10.1101/gr.268482.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle accounts for the largest proportion of human body mass, on average, and is a key tissue in complex diseases and mobility. It is composed of several different cell and muscle fiber types. Here, we optimize single-nucleus ATAC-seq (snATAC-seq) to map skeletal muscle cell-specific chromatin accessibility landscapes in frozen human and rat samples, and single-nucleus RNA-seq (snRNA-seq) to map cell-specific transcriptomes in human. We additionally perform multi-omics profiling (gene expression and chromatin accessibility) on human and rat muscle samples. We capture type I and type II muscle fiber signatures, which are generally missed by existing single-cell RNA-seq methods. We perform cross-modality and cross-species integrative analyses on 33,862 nuclei and identify seven cell types ranging in abundance from 59.6% to 1.0% of all nuclei. We introduce a regression-based approach to infer cell types by comparing transcription start site-distal ATAC-seq peaks to reference enhancer maps and show consistency with RNA-based marker gene cell type assignments. We find heterogeneity in enrichment of genetic variants linked to complex phenotypes from the UK Biobank and diabetes genome-wide association studies in cell-specific ATAC-seq peaks, with the most striking enrichment patterns in muscle mesenchymal stem cells (∼3.5% of nuclei). Finally, we overlay these chromatin accessibility maps on GWAS data to nominate causal cell types, SNPs, transcription factor motifs, and target genes for type 2 diabetes signals. These chromatin accessibility profiles for human and rat skeletal muscle cell types are a useful resource for nominating causal GWAS SNPs and cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Orchard
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Nandini Manickam
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Christa Ventresca
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Swarooparani Vadlamudi
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Arushi Varshney
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Vivek Rai
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Jeremy Kaplan
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Claudia Lalancette
- Epigenomics Core, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Karen L Mohlke
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Katherine Gallagher
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Charles F Burant
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Stephen C J Parker
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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21
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Feike Y, Zhijie L, Wei C. Advances in research on pharmacotherapy of sarcopenia. Aging Med (Milton) 2021; 4:221-233. [PMID: 34553120 PMCID: PMC8444957 DOI: 10.1002/agm2.12168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is a comprehensive degenerative disease with the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass with age, accompanied by the loss of muscle strength and muscle dysfunction. As a new type of senile syndrome, sarcopenia seriously threatens the health of the elderly. The first-line treatment for sarcopenia is exercise and nutritional supplements. However, pharmacotherapy will provide more reliable and sustainable interventions in geriatric medicine. Clinical trials of new drugs targeting multiple molecules are ongoing. This article focuses on the latest progress in pharmacotherapeutic approaches of sarcopenia in recent years by comprehensively reviewing the clinical outcomes of the existing and emerging pharmacotherapies as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying their therapeutic benefits and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Feike
- Department of Geriatric MedicineThe Central Hospital of Changsha CityChangshaChina
| | - Liu Zhijie
- Department of Geriatric MedicineThe Central Hospital of Changsha CityChangshaChina
| | - Chen Wei
- Department of Geriatric MedicineThe Central Hospital of Changsha CityChangshaChina
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22
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Identification of the insertion site of transgenic DNA based on cyclization of the target gene with the flanking sequence and nested inverse PCR. TALANTA OPEN 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talo.2021.100033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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23
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Iyer CC, Chugh D, Bobbili PJ, Iii AJB, Crum AE, Yi AF, Kaspar BK, Meyer KC, Burghes AHM, Arnold WD. Follistatin-induced muscle hypertrophy in aged mice improves neuromuscular junction innervation and function. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 104:32-41. [PMID: 33964607 PMCID: PMC8225567 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Sarcopenia, or age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, is an important contributor to loss of physical function in older adults. The pathogenesis of sarcopenia is likely multifactorial, but recently the role of neurological degeneration, such as motor unit loss, has received increased attention. Here, we investigated the longitudinal effects of muscle hypertrophy (via overexpression of human follistatin, a myostatin antagonist) on neuromuscular integrity in C57BL/6J mice between the ages of 24 and 27 months. Following follistatin overexpression (delivered via self-complementary adeno-associated virus subtype 9 injection), muscle weight and torque production were significantly improved. Follistatin treatment resulted in improvements of neuromuscular junction innervation and transmission but had no impact on age-related losses of motor units. These studies demonstrate that follistatin overexpression-induced muscle hypertrophy not only increased muscle weight and torque production but also countered age-related degeneration at the neuromuscular junction in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra C Iyer
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Deepti Chugh
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Prameela J Bobbili
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anton J Blatnik Iii
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alexander E Crum
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Allen F Yi
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brian K Kaspar
- The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kathrin C Meyer
- The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Arthur H M Burghes
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - W David Arnold
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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24
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Ozawa T, Morikawa M, Morishita Y, Ogikubo K, Itoh F, Koinuma D, Nygren PÅ, Miyazono K. Systemic administration of monovalent follistatin-like 3-Fc-fusion protein increases muscle mass in mice. iScience 2021; 24:102488. [PMID: 34113826 PMCID: PMC8170004 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102488] [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: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting the signaling pathway of growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8), also known as myostatin, has been regarded as a promising strategy to increase muscle mass in the elderly and in patients. Accumulating evidence in animal models and clinical trials has indicated that a rational approach is to inhibit a limited number of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family ligands, including GDF8 and activin A, without affecting other members. Here, we focused on one of the endogenous antagonists against TGF-β family ligands, follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3), which mainly binds and neutralizes activins, GDF8, and GDF11. Although bivalent human FSTL3 Fc-fusion protein was rapidly cleared from mouse circulation similar to follistatin (FST)-Fc, monovalent FSTL3-Fc (mono-FSTL3-Fc) generated with the knobs-into-holes technology exhibited longer serum half-life. Systemic administration of mono-FSTL3-Fc in mice induced muscle fiber hypertrophy and increased muscle mass in vivo. Our results indicate that the monovalent FSTL3-based therapy overcomes the difficulties of current anti-GDF8 therapies. FSTL3-Fc has a more specific binding profile for TGF-β family ligands than ActRIIB-Fc. Bivalent two-armed FSTL3-Fc is rapidly cleared from mouse circulation. Monovalent FSTL3-Fc has longer serum half-life and causes systemic muscle hypertrophy. ActRIIB-Fc-related side effects are not detected in monovalent FSTL3-Fc-treated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Ozawa
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Masato Morikawa
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Morishita
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kazuki Ogikubo
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Fumiko Itoh
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Daizo Koinuma
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Per-Åke Nygren
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, AlbaNova University Center, Royal Institute of Technology, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.,Science for Life Laboratory, 171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Kohei Miyazono
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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25
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Chugh D, Iyer CC, Bobbili P, Blatnik AJ, Kaspar BK, Meyer K, Burghes AH, Clark BC, Arnold WD. Voluntary wheel running with and without follistatin overexpression improves NMJ transmission but not motor unit loss in late life of C57BL/6J mice. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 101:285-296. [PMID: 33678425 PMCID: PMC8122043 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Sarcopenia, or pathological loss of muscle mass and strength during aging, is an important contributor to loss of physical function in older adults. Sarcopenia is a multifactorial syndrome associated with intrinsic muscle and upstream neurological dysfunction. Exercise is well-established as an effective intervention for sarcopenia, but less is known about the long-term neurobiological impact of exercise. The goals of this study were to investigate the effects of exercise, alone or in combination with follistatin (FST) overexpression (antagonist of myostatin), on neuromuscular junction transmission and motor unit numbers in mice between the age of 22 and 27 months, ages at which prior studies have demonstrated that some motor unit loss is already evident. C57BL/6J mice underwent baseline assessment and were randomized to housing with or without voluntary running wheels and injection with adeno-associated virus to overexpress FST or vehicle. Groups for comparison included sedentary and running with and without FST. Longitudinal assessments showed significantly increased muscle mass and contractility in the 'running plus FST' group, but running, with and without FST, showed no effect on motor unit degeneration. In contrast, running, with and without FST, demonstrated marked improvement of neuromuscular junction transmission stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Chugh
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chitra C Iyer
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Prameela Bobbili
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anton J Blatnik
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brian K Kaspar
- The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Arthur Hm Burghes
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brian C Clark
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute & the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Athens, OH, USA
| | - W David Arnold
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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26
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Antimyostatin Treatment in Health and Disease: The Story of Great Expectations and Limited Success. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030533. [PMID: 33802348 PMCID: PMC8001237 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past 20 years, myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle mass, has attracted attention as a potential therapeutic target in muscular dystrophies and other conditions. Preclinical studies have shown potential for increasing muscular mass and ameliorating the pathological features of dystrophic muscle by the inhibition of myostatin in various ways. However, hardly any clinical trials have proven to translate the promising results from the animal models into patient populations. We present the background for myostatin regulation, clinical and preclinical results and discuss why translation from animal models to patients is difficult. Based on this, we put the clinical relevance of future antimyostatin treatment into perspective.
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Walker RG, Kattamuri C, Goebel EJ, Zhang F, Hammel M, Tainer JA, Linhardt RJ, Thompson TB. Heparin-mediated dimerization of follistatin. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:467-482. [PMID: 33197333 PMCID: PMC7885052 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220966296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heparin and heparan sulfate (HS) are highly sulfated polysaccharides covalently bound to cell surface proteins, which directly interact with many extracellular proteins, including the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) family ligand antagonist, follistatin 288 (FS288). Follistatin neutralizes the TGFβ ligands, myostatin and activin A, by forming a nearly irreversible non-signaling complex by surrounding the ligand and preventing interaction with TGFβ receptors. The FS288-ligand complex has higher affinity than unbound FS288 for heparin/HS, which accelerates ligand internalization and lysosomal degradation; however, limited information is available for how FS288 interactions with heparin affect ligand binding. Using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) we show that preincubation of FS288 with heparin/HS significantly decreased the association kinetics for both myostatin and activin A with seemingly no effect on the dissociation rate. This observation is dependent on the heparin/HS chain length where small chain lengths less than degree of polymerization 10 (dp10) did not alter association rates but chain lengths >dp10 decreased association rates. In an attempt to understand the mechanism for this observation, we uncovered that heparin induced dimerization of follistatin. Consistent with our SPR results, we found that dimerization only occurs with heparin molecules >dp10. Small-angle X-ray scattering of the FS288 heparin complex supports that FS288 adopts a dimeric configuration that is similar to the FS288 dimer in the ligand-bound state. These results indicate that heparin mediates dimerization of FS288 in a chain-length-dependent manner that reduces the ligand association rate, but not the dissociation rate or antagonistic activity of FS288.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan G Walker
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, USA
| | - Chandramohan Kattamuri
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, USA
| | - Erich J Goebel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, USA
| | - Fuming Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, USA
| | - Michal Hammel
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - John A Tainer
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology and Cancer Biology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Robert J Linhardt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, USA
| | - Thomas B Thompson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, USA
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Pervin S, Reddy ST, Singh R. Novel Roles of Follistatin/Myostatin in Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling and Adipose Browning: Potential for Therapeutic Intervention in Obesity Related Metabolic Disorders. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:653179. [PMID: 33897620 PMCID: PMC8062757 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.653179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a global health problem and a major risk factor for several metabolic conditions including dyslipidemia, diabetes, insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. Obesity develops from chronic imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Stimulation of cellular energy burning process has the potential to dissipate excess calories in the form of heat via the activation of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) in white and brown adipose tissues. Recent studies have shown that activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway significantly contributes to the development of obesity, and blockade or inhibition is reported to protect from obesity by promoting white adipose browning and increasing mitochondrial biogenesis. Identification of novel compounds that activate beige/brown adipose characteristics to burn surplus calories and reduce excess storage of fat are actively sought in the fight against obesity. In this review, we present recent developments in our understanding of key modulators of TGF-β signaling pathways including follistatin (FST) and myostatin (MST) in regulating adipose browning and brown adipose mass and activity. While MST is a key ligand for TGF-β family, FST can bind and regulate biological activity of several TGF-β superfamily members including activins, bone morphogenic proteins (BMP) and inhibins. Here, we review the literature supporting the critical roles for FST, MST and other proteins in modulating TGF-β signaling to influence beige and brown adipose characteristics. We further review the potential therapeutic utility of FST for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shehla Pervin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Srinivasa T. Reddy
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Rajan Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Endocrinology, Men’s Health: Aging and Metabolism, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Rajan Singh,
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29
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Dushyanth K, Shukla R, Chatterjee RN, Bhattacharya TK. Expression and polymorphism of Follistatin ( FST) gene and its association with growth traits in native and exotic chicken. Anim Biotechnol 2020; 33:824-834. [PMID: 33170076 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2020.1838917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin (FST), a member of the transforming growth factor beta super-family regulates body growth by inhibiting the binding of myostatin (an inhibitor of growth) with its receptor in chicken. An experiment was conducted to explore ontogenic expression of the follistatin gene, determine polymorphism at the coding region of the gene and estimate its effect on growth traits in native (Aseel) and exotic broiler (PD-1) and layer (White Leghorn) chicken. The significant differences of FST gene expression were observed among the breeds revealing significantly (p < 0.05) higher expression in PD-1 line followed by White Leghorn and Aseel breeds during both embryonic and post-hatch period. The polymorphism at the functional domain of the FST gene was identified with the presence of 4 haplotypes. The follistatin haplogroups had the significant effect on body weights (p < 0.05) at 42 days of age in the White Leghorn, PD-1 and Aseel breeds (h1h1 in PD-1, h1h4 in White Leghorn and h1h2 haplogroups in Aseel breeds had the highest body weights of 770.04 ± 12.96, 246.28 ± 7.60 and 270.00 ± 10.68 g, respectively). It is concluded that the follistatin gene expressed differently during the embryonic and post-embryonic period across the breeds and the coding region of the gene was polymorphic having significant effects on growth traits in chicken.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Dushyanth
- ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad, India
| | - R Shukla
- ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad, India
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Kramerova I, Marinov M, Owens J, Lee SJ, Becerra D, Spencer MJ. Myostatin inhibition promotes fast fibre hypertrophy but causes loss of AMP-activated protein kinase signalling and poor exercise tolerance in a model of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R1/2A. J Physiol 2020; 598:3927-3939. [PMID: 33460149 DOI: 10.1113/jp279943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R1 (LGMD R1) is caused by mutations in the CAPN3 gene and is characterized by progressive muscle loss, impaired mitochondrial function and reductions in the slow oxidative gene expression programme. Myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle growth, and its inhibition improves the phenotype in several muscle wasting disorders. The effect of genetic and pharmacological inhibition of myostatin signalling on the disease phenotype in a mouse model of LGMD R1 (CAPN3 knockout mouse-C3KO) was studied. Inhibition of myostatin signalling in C3KO muscles resulted in significant muscle hypertrophy; however, there were no improvements in muscle strength and exacerbation of exercise intolerance concomitant with further reduction of muscle oxidative capacity was observed. Inhibition of myostatin signalling is unlikely to be a valid therapeutic strategy for LGMD R1. ABSTRACT Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R1 (LGMD R1) is caused by mutations in the CAPN3 gene and is characterized by progressive muscle loss, impaired mitochondrial function and reductions in the slow oxidative gene expression programme. There are currently no therapies available to patients. We sought to determine if induction of muscle growth, through myostatin inhibition, represents a viable therapeutic strategy for this disease. Myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle growth, and its inhibition improves the phenotype in several muscle wasting disorders. However, the effect of myostatin depends on the genetic and pathophysiological context and may not be efficacious in all contexts. We found that genetic inhibition of myostatin through overexpression of follistatin (an endogenous inhibitor of myostatin) in our LGMD R1 model (C3KO) resulted in 1.5- to 2-fold increase of muscle mass for the majority of limb muscles. However, muscle strength was not improved and exercise intolerance was exacerbated. Pharmacological inhibition of myostatin, using an anti-myostatin antibody, resulted in statistically significant increases in muscle mass; however, functional testing did not reveal changes in muscle strength nor endurance in treated C3KO mice. Histochemical and biochemical evaluation of follistatin overexpressing mice revealed a reduction in the percentage of oxidative fibres and decreased activation of AMP-activated protein kinase signalling in transgenics compared to C3KO muscles. Our data suggest that muscle hypertrophy, induced by myostatin inhibition, leads to loss of oxidative capacity, which further compromises metabolically impaired C3KO muscles and thus is unlikely to be a valid strategy for treatment of LGMD R1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kramerova
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Masha Marinov
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Se-Jin Lee
- The Jackson Laboratory and University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Diana Becerra
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Melissa J Spencer
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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31
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Suh J, Lee YS. Myostatin Inhibitors: Panacea or Predicament for Musculoskeletal Disorders? J Bone Metab 2020; 27:151-165. [PMID: 32911580 PMCID: PMC7571243 DOI: 10.11005/jbm.2020.27.3.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Myostatin, also known as growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8), is a transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family member that functions to limit skeletal muscle growth. Accordingly, loss-of-function mutations in myostatin result in a dramatic increase in muscle mass in humans and various animals, while its overexpression leads to severe muscle atrophy. Myostatin also exerts a significant effect on bone metabolism, as demonstrated by enhanced bone mineral density and bone regeneration in myostatin null mice. The identification of myostatin as a negative regulator of muscle and bone mass has sparked an enormous interest in developing myostatin inhibitors as therapeutic agents for treating a variety of clinical conditions associated with musculoskeletal disorders. As a result, various myostatin-targeting strategies involving antibodies, myostatin propeptides, soluble receptors, and endogenous antagonists have been generated, and many of them have progressed to clinical trials. Importantly, most myostatin inhibitors also repress the activities of other closely related TGF-β family members including GDF11, activins, and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), increasing the potential for unwanted side effects, such as vascular side effects through inhibition of BMP 9/10 and bone weakness induced by follistatin through antagonizing several TGF-β family members. Therefore, a careful distinction between targets that may enhance the efficacy of an agent and those that may cause adverse effects is required with the improvement of the target specificity. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the endogenous function of myostatin, and provide an overview of clinical trial outcomes from different myostatin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonho Suh
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun-Sil Lee
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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32
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Sylow L, Vind BF, Kruse R, Møller PM, Wojtaszewski JFP, Richter EA, Højlund K. Circulating Follistatin and Activin A and Their Regulation by Insulin in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5766434. [PMID: 32112102 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating follistatin (Fst) binds activin A and thereby regulates biological functions such as muscle growth and β-cell survival. However, Fst and activin A's implication in metabolic regulation is unclear. OBJECTIVE To investigate circulating Fst and activin A in obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and determine their association with metabolic parameters. Further, to examine regulation of Fst and activin A by insulin and the influence of obesity and T2D hereon. METHODS Plasma Fst and activin A levels were analyzed in obese T2D patients (N = 10) closely matched to glucose-tolerant lean (N = 12) and obese (N = 10) individuals in the fasted state and following a 4-h hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (40 mU·m-2·min-1) combined with indirect calorimetry. RESULTS Circulating Fst was ~30% higher in patients with T2D compared with both lean and obese nondiabetic individuals (P < .001), while plasma activin A was unaltered. In the total cohort, fasting plasma Fst correlated positively with fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin and C-peptide levels, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and hepatic and adipose tissue insulin resistance after adjusting for age, gender and group (all r > 0.47; P < .05). However, in the individual groups these correlations only achieved significance in patients with T2D (not plasma glucose). Acute hyperinsulinemia at euglycemia reduced circulating Fst by ~30% (P < .001) and this response was intact in patients with T2D. Insulin inhibited FST expression in human hepatocytes after 2 h and even further after 48 h. CONCLUSIONS Elevated circulating Fst, but not activin A, is strongly associated with measures of insulin resistance in patients with T2D. However, the ability of insulin to suppress circulating Fst is preserved in T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lykke Sylow
- Section of Molecular Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birgitte F Vind
- Steno Diabetes Center Odense, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Rikke Kruse
- Steno Diabetes Center Odense, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Pauline M Møller
- Steno Diabetes Center Odense, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Jørgen F P Wojtaszewski
- Section of Molecular Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik A Richter
- Section of Molecular Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kurt Højlund
- Steno Diabetes Center Odense, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
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Davey JR, Estevez E, Thomson RE, Whitham M, Watt KI, Hagg A, Qian H, Henstridge DC, Ludlow H, Hedger MP, McGee SL, Coughlan MT, Febbraio MA, Gregorevic P. Intravascular Follistatin gene delivery improves glycemic control in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. FASEB J 2020; 34:5697-5714. [PMID: 32141144 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802059rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) manifests from inadequate glucose control due to insulin resistance, hypoinsulinemia, and deteriorating pancreatic β-cell function. The pro-inflammatory factor Activin has been implicated as a positive correlate of severity in T2D patients, and as a negative regulator of glucose uptake by skeletal muscle, and of pancreatic β-cell phenotype in mice. Accordingly, we sought to determine whether intervention with the Activin antagonist Follistatin can ameliorate the diabetic pathology. Here, we report that an intravenous Follistatin gene delivery intervention with tropism for striated muscle reduced the serum concentrations of Activin B and improved glycemic control in the db/db mouse model of T2D. Treatment reversed the hyperglycemic progression with a corresponding reduction in the percentage of glycated-hemoglobin to levels similar to lean, healthy mice. Follistatin gene delivery promoted insulinemia and abundance of insulin-positive pancreatic β-cells, even when treatment was administered to mice with advanced diabetes, supporting a mechanism for improved glycemic control associated with maintenance of functional β-cells. Our data demonstrate that single-dose intravascular Follistatin gene delivery can ameliorate the diabetic progression and improve prognostic markers of disease. These findings are consistent with other observations of Activin-mediated mechanisms exerting deleterious effects in models of obesity and diabetes, and suggest that interventions that attenuate Activin signaling could help further understanding of T2D and the development of novel T2D therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Davey
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Emma Estevez
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rachel E Thomson
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Martin Whitham
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Kevin I Watt
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Adam Hagg
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Hongwei Qian
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Darren C Henstridge
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Helen Ludlow
- School of Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark P Hedger
- The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Sean L McGee
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Melinda T Coughlan
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark A Febbraio
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul Gregorevic
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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GDF11 promotes osteogenesis as opposed to MSTN, and follistatin, a MSTN/GDF11 inhibitor, increases muscle mass but weakens bone. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:4910-4920. [PMID: 32071240 PMCID: PMC7060712 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1916034117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MSTN, a member of the TGF-β family, has been widely shown to suppress muscle growth, leading to an intense effort being directed at targeting MSTN to treat patients with muscle loss. GDF11 is another TGF-β family member closely related to MSTN, but its postnatal function is less clear. Using conditional knockout techniques, we show that GDF11 enhances bone mass in contrast to MSTN, emphasizing that MSTN/GDF11 inhibitors, such as FST, can induce adverse effects on bone through GDF11 inhibition. Because most MSTN inhibitors also inhibit GDF11 due to the high sequence similarity between MSTN and GDF11, our findings suggest that their opposing roles must be carefully considered when developing MSTN inhibitors for clinical applications. Growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) and myostatin (MSTN) are closely related transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family members, but their biological functions are quite distinct. While MSTN has been widely shown to inhibit muscle growth, GDF11 regulates skeletal patterning and organ development during embryogenesis. Postnatal functions of GDF11, however, remain less clear and controversial. Due to the perinatal lethality of Gdf11 null mice, previous studies used recombinant GDF11 protein to prove its postnatal function. However, recombinant GDF11 and MSTN proteins share nearly identical biochemical properties, and most GDF11-binding molecules have also been shown to bind MSTN, generating the possibility that the effects mediated by recombinant GDF11 protein actually reproduce the endogenous functions of MSTN. To clarify the endogenous functions of GDF11, here, we focus on genetic studies and show that Gdf11 null mice, despite significantly down-regulating Mstn expression, exhibit reduced bone mass through impaired osteoblast (OB) and chondrocyte (CH) maturations and increased osteoclastogenesis, while the opposite is observed in Mstn null mice that display enhanced bone mass. Mechanistically, Mstn deletion up-regulates Gdf11 expression, which activates bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway to enhance osteogenesis. Also, mice overexpressing follistatin (FST), a MSTN/GDF11 inhibitor, exhibit increased muscle mass accompanied by bone fractures, unlike Mstn null mice that display increased muscle mass without fractures, indicating that inhibition of GDF11 impairs bone strength. Together, our findings suggest that GDF11 promotes osteogenesis in contrast to MSTN, and these opposing roles of GDF11 and MSTN must be considered to avoid the detrimental effect of GDF11 inhibition when developing MSTN/GDF11 inhibitors for therapeutic purposes.
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35
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Jin Q, Qiao C, Li J, Li J, Xiao X. An engineered serum albumin-binding AAV9 capsid achieves improved liver transduction after intravenous delivery in mice. Gene Ther 2019; 27:237-244. [DOI: 10.1038/s41434-019-0107-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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36
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Han X, Møller LLV, De Groote E, Bojsen-Møller KN, Davey J, Henríquez-Olguin C, Li Z, Knudsen JR, Jensen TE, Madsbad S, Gregorevic P, Richter EA, Sylow L. Mechanisms involved in follistatin-induced hypertrophy and increased insulin action in skeletal muscle. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2019; 10:1241-1257. [PMID: 31402604 PMCID: PMC7663972 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skeletal muscle wasting is often associated with insulin resistance. A major regulator of muscle mass is the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily, including activin A, which causes atrophy. TGF-β superfamily ligands also negatively regulate insulin-sensitive proteins, but whether this pathway contributes to insulin action remains to be determined. METHODS To elucidate if TGF-β superfamily ligands regulate insulin action, we used an adeno-associated virus gene editing approach to overexpress an activin A inhibitor, follistatin (Fst288), in mouse muscle of lean and diet-induced obese mice. We determined basal and insulin-stimulated 2-deoxy-glucose uptake using isotopic tracers in vivo. Furthermore, to evaluate whether circulating Fst and activin A concentrations are associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and weight loss in humans, we analysed serum from morbidly obese subjects before, 1 week, and 1 year after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). RESULTS Fst288 muscle overexpression markedly increased in vivo insulin-stimulated (but not basal) glucose uptake (+75%, P < 0.05) and increased protein expression and intracellular insulin signalling of AKT, TBC1D4, PAK1, pyruvate dehydrogenase-E1α, and p70S6K, while decreasing TBC1D1 signaling (P < 0.05). Fst288 increased both basal and insulin-stimulated protein synthesis, but no correlation was observed between the Fst288-driven hypertrophy and the increase in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Importantly, Fst288 completely normalized muscle glucose uptake in insulin-resistant diet-induced obese mice. RYGB surgery doubled circulating Fst and reduced activin A (-24%, P < 0.05) concentration 1 week after surgery before any significant weight loss in morbidly obese normoglycemic patients, while major weight loss after 1 year did not further change the concentrations. CONCLUSIONS We here present evidence that Fst is a potent regulator of insulin action in muscle, and in addition to AKT and p70S6K, we identify TBC1D1, TBC1D4, pyruvate dehydrogenase-E1α, and PAK1 as Fst targets. Circulating Fst more than doubled post-RYGB surgery, a treatment that markedly improved insulin sensitivity, suggesting a role for Fst in regulating glycaemic control. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting TGF-β superfamily ligands to improve insulin action and Fst's relevance to muscle wasting-associated insulin-resistant conditions in mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuqing Han
- Section of Molecular Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Liliendal Valbjørn Møller
- Section of Molecular Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Estelle De Groote
- Faculty of Motor Science, Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | | | - Jonathan Davey
- Center for Muscle Research, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Carlos Henríquez-Olguin
- Section of Molecular Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zhencheng Li
- Section of Molecular Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas Roland Knudsen
- Section of Molecular Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Elbenhardt Jensen
- Section of Molecular Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sten Madsbad
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Paul Gregorevic
- Center for Muscle Research, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Erik Arne Richter
- Section of Molecular Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lykke Sylow
- Section of Molecular Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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37
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Biferali B, Proietti D, Mozzetta C, Madaro L. Fibro-Adipogenic Progenitors Cross-Talk in Skeletal Muscle: The Social Network. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1074. [PMID: 31496956 PMCID: PMC6713247 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is composed of a large and heterogeneous assortment of cell populations that interact with each other to maintain muscle homeostasis and orchestrate regeneration. Although satellite cells (SCs) – which are muscle stem cells – are the protagonists of functional muscle repair following damage, several other cells such as inflammatory, vascular, and mesenchymal cells coordinate muscle regeneration in a finely tuned process. Fibro–adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are a muscle interstitial mesenchymal cell population, which supports SCs differentiation during tissue regeneration. During the first days following muscle injury FAPs undergo massive expansion, which is followed by their macrophage-mediated clearance and the re-establishment of their steady-state pool. It is during this critical time window that FAPs, together with the other cellular components of the muscle stem cell niche, establish a dynamic network of interactions that culminate in muscle repair. A number of different molecules have been recently identified as important mediators of this cross-talk, and its alteration has been associated with different muscle pathologies. In this review, we will focus on the soluble factors that regulate FAPs activity, highlighting their roles in orchestrating the inter-cellular interactions between FAPs and the other cell populations that participate in muscle regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Biferali
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), CNR National Research Council of Italy, c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daisy Proietti
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Mozzetta
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), CNR National Research Council of Italy, c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Isaacs J, Feger MA, Mallu S, Yager D, Shall M, Patel G, Protzuk O, Graham L. Viral vector delivery of follistatin enhances recovery of reinnervated muscle. Muscle Nerve 2019; 60:474-483. [PMID: 31365129 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Poor recovery following nerve repair is due to progressive temporal loss of muscle function. Follistatin (FS), a glycoprotein with anabolic properties, may enhance muscle recovery following reinnervation. METHODS Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent temporary (3 or 6 month) denervation or sham denervation. After reinnervation, rats were administered adeno-associated viral vectors expressing FS deoxyribonucleic acid (isoform FS-317) injected into the target muscle or sham treatment. Final assessment included muscle function testing, muscle histomorphology, nerve histomorphology, and FS protein quantification. RESULTS FS improved muscle mass and type IIB muscle fiber size, and increased G-ratios and mean axon diameter in the 6-month temporary denervation group (P < .05). Elevated FS protein levels were detected in treated muscle (P < .05). FS increased satellite cell counts following temporary denervation and repair (P < .05). DISCUSSION FS treatment had anabolic, neurotrophic, and satellite cell stimulatory effects when administered following prolonged (6-month) temporary denervation and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Isaacs
- Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Mark A Feger
- Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Satya Mallu
- Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Dorne Yager
- Divison of Plastic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Mary Shall
- Department of Physical Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Gaurangkumar Patel
- Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Omar Protzuk
- Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Lindsay Graham
- Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
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39
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Pearsall RS, Davies MV, Cannell M, Li J, Widrick J, Mulivor AW, Wallner S, Troy ME, Spaits M, Liharska K, Sako D, Castonguay R, Keates S, Grinberg AV, Suragani RNVS, Kumar R. Follistatin-based ligand trap ACE-083 induces localized hypertrophy of skeletal muscle with functional improvement in models of neuromuscular disease. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11392. [PMID: 31388039 PMCID: PMC6684588 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47818-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is under inhibitory homeostatic regulation by multiple ligands of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) superfamily. Follistatin is a secreted protein that promotes muscle growth and function by sequestering these ligands extracellularly. In the present study, we evaluated the potential of ACE-083 – a locally acting, follistatin-based fusion protein – as a novel therapeutic agent for focal or asymmetric myopathies. Characterization of ACE-083 in vitro revealed its high affinity for heparin and extracellular matrix while surface plasmon resonance and cell-based assays confirmed that ACE-083 binds and potently neutralizes myostatin, activin A, activin B and growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11). Intramuscular administration of ACE-083 caused localized, dose-dependent hypertrophy of the injected muscle in wild-type mice and mouse models of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, with no evidence of systemic muscle effects or endocrine perturbation. Importantly, ACE-083 also increased the force of isometric contraction in situ by the injected tibialis anterior muscle in wild-type mice and disease models and increased ankle dorsiflexion torque in CMT mice. Our results demonstrate the potential of ACE-083 as a therapeutic agent for patients with CMT, muscular dystrophy and other disorders with focal or asymmetric muscle atrophy or weakness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M Cannell
- Acceleron Pharma, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - J Li
- Acceleron Pharma, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - J Widrick
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A W Mulivor
- Acceleron Pharma, Cambridge, MA, USA.,The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - S Wallner
- Acceleron Pharma, Cambridge, MA, USA.,NovaRock Biotherapeutics, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - M E Troy
- Acceleron Pharma, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - M Spaits
- Acceleron Pharma, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - K Liharska
- Acceleron Pharma, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Dragonfly Therapeutics, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - D Sako
- Acceleron Pharma, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - S Keates
- Acceleron Pharma, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - A V Grinberg
- Acceleron Pharma, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Dragonfly Therapeutics, Waltham, MA, USA
| | | | - R Kumar
- Acceleron Pharma, Cambridge, MA, USA
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40
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41
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Castonguay R, Lachey J, Wallner S, Strand J, Liharska K, Watanabe AE, Cannell M, Davies MV, Sako D, Troy ME, Krishnan L, Mulivor AW, Li H, Keates S, Alexander MJ, Pearsall RS, Kumar R. Follistatin-288-Fc Fusion Protein Promotes Localized Growth of Skeletal Muscle. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 368:435-445. [PMID: 30563942 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.252304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Follistatin is an endogenous glycoprotein that promotes growth and repair of skeletal muscle by sequestering inhibitory ligands of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily and may therefore have therapeutic potential for neuromuscular diseases. Here, we sought to determine the suitability of a newly engineered follistatin fusion protein (FST288-Fc) to promote localized, rather than systemic, growth of skeletal muscle by capitalizing on the intrinsic heparin-binding ability of the follistatin-288 isoform. As determined by surface plasmon resonance and cell-based assays, FST288-Fc binds to activin A, activin B, myostatin (growth differentiation factor GDF8), and GDF11 with high affinity and neutralizes their activity in vitro. Intramuscular administration of FST288-Fc in mice induced robust, dose-dependent growth of the targeted muscle but not of surrounding or contralateral muscles, in contrast to the systemic effects of a locally administered fusion protein incorporating activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB-Fc). Furthermore, systemic administration of FST288-Fc in mice did not alter muscle mass or body composition as determined by NMR, which again contrasts with the pronounced systemic activity of ActRIIB-Fc when administered by the same route. Subsequent analysis revealed that FST288-Fc in the circulation undergoes rapid proteolysis, thereby restricting its activity to individual muscles targeted by intramuscular administration. These results indicate that FST288-Fc can produce localized growth of skeletal muscle in a targeted manner with reduced potential for undesirable systemic effects. Thus, FST288-Fc and similar agents may be beneficial in the treatment of disorders with muscle atrophy that is focal, asymmetric, or otherwise heterogeneous.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Huiming Li
- Acceleron Pharma, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | - Ravi Kumar
- Acceleron Pharma, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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42
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Giesige CR, Wallace LM, Heller KN, Eidahl JO, Saad NY, Fowler AM, Pyne NK, Al-Kharsan M, Rashnonejad A, Chermahini GA, Domire JS, Mukweyi D, Garwick-Coppens SE, Guckes SM, McLaughlin KJ, Meyer K, Rodino-Klapac LR, Harper SQ. AAV-mediated follistatin gene therapy improves functional outcomes in the TIC-DUX4 mouse model of FSHD. JCI Insight 2018; 3:123538. [PMID: 30429376 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.123538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal dominant or digenic disorder linked to derepression of the toxic DUX4 gene in muscle. There is currently no pharmacological treatment. The emergence of DUX4 enabled development of cell and animal models that could be used for basic and translational research. Since DUX4 is toxic, animal model development has been challenging, but progress has been made, revealing that tight regulation of DUX4 expression is critical for creating viable animals that develop myopathy. Here, we report such a model - the tamoxifen-inducible FSHD mouse model called TIC-DUX4. Uninduced animals are viable, born in Mendelian ratios, and overtly indistinguishable from WT animals. Induced animals display significant DUX4-dependent myopathic phenotypes at the molecular, histological, and functional levels. To demonstrate the utility of TIC-DUX4 mice for therapeutic development, we tested a gene therapy approach aimed at improving muscle strength in DUX4-expressing muscles using adeno-associated virus serotype 1.Follistatin (AAV1.Follistatin), a natural myostatin antagonist. This strategy was not designed to modulate DUX4 but could offer a mechanism to improve muscle weakness caused by DUX4-induced damage. AAV1.Follistatin significantly increased TIC-DUX4 muscle mass and strength even in the presence of DUX4 expression, suggesting that myostatin inhibition may be a promising approach to treat FSHD-associated weakness. We conclude that TIC-DUX4 mice are a relevant model to study DUX4 toxicity and, importantly, are useful in therapeutic development studies for FSHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlee R Giesige
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Lindsay M Wallace
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kristin N Heller
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jocelyn O Eidahl
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Nizar Y Saad
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Allison M Fowler
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Nettie K Pyne
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Mustafa Al-Kharsan
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Afrooz Rashnonejad
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Jacqueline S Domire
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Diana Mukweyi
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sara E Garwick-Coppens
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Susan M Guckes
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - K John McLaughlin
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Louise R Rodino-Klapac
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Scott Q Harper
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Iskenderian A, Liu N, Deng Q, Huang Y, Shen C, Palmieri K, Crooker R, Lundberg D, Kastrapeli N, Pescatore B, Romashko A, Dumas J, Comeau R, Norton A, Pan J, Rong H, Derakhchan K, Ehmann DE. Myostatin and activin blockade by engineered follistatin results in hypertrophy and improves dystrophic pathology in mdx mouse more than myostatin blockade alone. Skelet Muscle 2018; 8:34. [PMID: 30368252 PMCID: PMC6204036 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-018-0180-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myostatin antagonists are being developed as therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy due to their strong hypertrophic effects on skeletal muscle. Engineered follistatin has the potential to combine the hypertrophy of myostatin antagonism with the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of activin A antagonism. METHODS Engineered follistatin was administered to C57BL/6 mice for 4 weeks, and muscle mass and myofiber size was measured. In the mdx model, engineered follistatin was dosed for 12 weeks in two studies comparing to an Fc fusion of the activin IIB receptor or an anti-myostatin antibody. Functional measurements of grip strength and tetanic force were combined with tissue analysis for markers of necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis to evaluate improvement in dystrophic pathology. RESULTS In wild-type and mdx mice, dose-dependent increases in muscle mass and quadriceps myofiber size were observed for engineered follistatin. In mdx, increases in grip strength and tetanic force were combined with improvements in muscle markers for necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Improvements in dystrophic pathology were greater for engineered follistatin than the anti-myostatin antibody. CONCLUSIONS Engineered follistatin generated hypertrophy and anti-fibrotic effects in the mdx model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Iskenderian
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nan Liu
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Qingwei Deng
- Research, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yan Huang
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Chuan Shen
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kathleen Palmieri
- Research, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert Crooker
- Research, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dianna Lundberg
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Niksa Kastrapeli
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brian Pescatore
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alla Romashko
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - John Dumas
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert Comeau
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Angela Norton
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jing Pan
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Haojing Rong
- Nonclinical Development, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Katayoun Derakhchan
- Nonclinical Development, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David E Ehmann
- Research, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA. .,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Schumann C, Nguyen DX, Norgard M, Bortnyak Y, Korzun T, Chan S, Lorenz AS, Moses AS, Albarqi HA, Wong L, Michaelis K, Zhu X, Alani AWG, Taratula OR, Krasnow S, Marks DL, Taratula O. Increasing lean muscle mass in mice via nanoparticle-mediated hepatic delivery of follistatin mRNA. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:5276-5288. [PMID: 30555546 PMCID: PMC6276093 DOI: 10.7150/thno.27847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle atrophy occurs during chronic diseases, resulting in diminished quality of life and compromised treatment outcomes. There is a high demand for therapeutics that increase muscle mass while abrogating the need for special dietary and exercise requirements. Therefore, we developed an efficient nanomedicine approach capable of increasing muscle mass. Methods: The therapy is based on nanoparticle-mediated delivery of follistatin messenger RNA (mRNA) to the liver after subcutaneous administration. The delivered mRNA directs hepatic cellular machinery to produce follistatin, a glycoprotein that increases lean mass through inhibition of negative regulators of muscle mass (myostatin and activin A). These factors are elevated in numerous disease states, thereby providing a target for therapeutic intervention. Results: Animal studies validated that mRNA-loaded nanoparticles enter systemic circulation following subcutaneous injection, accumulate and internalize in the liver, where the mRNA is translated into follistatin. Follistatin serum levels were elevated for 72 h post injection and efficiently reduced activin A and myostatin serum concentrations. After eight weeks of repeated injections, the lean mass of mice in the treatment group was ~10% higher when compared to that of the controls. Conclusion: Based on the obtained results demonstrating an increased muscle mass as well as restricted fat accumulation, this nanoplatform might be a milestone in the development of mRNA technologies and the treatment of muscle wasting disorders.
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45
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Weigert C, Hoene M, Plomgaard P. Hepatokines-a novel group of exercise factors. Pflugers Arch 2018; 471:383-396. [PMID: 30338347 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-018-2216-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Regular physical activity not only improves the exercise capacity of the skeletal muscle performing the contractions, but it is beneficial for the whole body. An extensive search for "exercise factors" mediating these beneficial effects has been going on for decades. Particularly skeletal muscle tissue has been investigated as a source of circulating exercise factors, and several myokines have been identified. However, exercise also has an impact on other tissues. The liver is interposed between energy storing and energy utilising tissues and is highly active during exercise, maintaining energy homeostasis. Recently, a novel group of exercise factors-termed hepatokines-has emerged. These proteins (fibroblast growth factor 21, follistatin, angiopoietin-like protein 4, heat shock protein 72, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1) are released from the liver and increased in the bloodstream during or in the recovery after an exercise bout. In this narrative review, we evaluate this new group of exercise factors focusing on the regulation and potential function in exercise metabolism and adaptations. These hepatokines may convey some of the beneficial whole-body effects of exercise that could ameliorate metabolic diseases, such as obesity or type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora Weigert
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Angiology, Nephrology, Pathobiochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University of Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller Str. 10, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany. .,Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany. .,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Miriam Hoene
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Angiology, Nephrology, Pathobiochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University of Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller Str. 10, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Peter Plomgaard
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism, and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Scoto M, Finkel R, Mercuri E, Muntoni F. Genetic therapies for inherited neuromuscular disorders. THE LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2018; 2:600-609. [PMID: 30119719 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(18)30140-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Inherited neuromuscular disorders encompass a broad group of genetic conditions, and the discovery of these underlying genes has expanded greatly in the past three decades. The discovery of such genes has enabled more precise diagnosis of these disorders and the development of specific therapeutic approaches that target the genetic basis and pathophysiological pathways. Such translational research has led to the approval of two genetic therapies by the US Food and Drug Administration: eteplirsen for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and nusinersen for spinal muscular atrophy, which are both antisense oligonucleotides that modify pre-mRNA splicing. In this Review we aim to discuss new genetic therapies and ongoing clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, and other less common childhood neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariacristina Scoto
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Richard Finkel
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Pediatric Neurology and Centro Nemo, IRCSS Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
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47
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Aguti S, Malerba A, Zhou H. The progress of AAV-mediated gene therapy in neuromuscular disorders. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:681-693. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1479739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Aguti
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alberto Malerba
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK
| | - Haiyan Zhou
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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48
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Shen C, Iskenderian A, Lundberg D, He T, Palmieri K, Crooker R, Deng Q, Traylor M, Gu S, Rong H, Ehmann D, Pescatore B, Strack-Logue B, Romashko A, Baviello G, Gill J, Zhang B, Meiyappan M, Pan C, Norton AW. Protein Engineering on Human Recombinant Follistatin: Enhancing Pharmacokinetic Characteristics for Therapeutic Application. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 366:291-302. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.248195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Our goal is to review the recent literature pertaining to the genetics of sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM). RECENT FINDINGS In a study of 252 IBM patients, the class II MHC allele HLA-DRB1*03:01 showed the most significant association with IBM, and that risk could be largely attributed to amino acids within the peptide-binding pocket. Candidate gene sequencing identified rare missense variants in proteins regulating protein homeostasis including VCP and SQSTM1. An unbiased approach employing exome sequencing of genes encoding rimmed vacuole proteins identified FYCO1 variants in IBM. Ongoing GWAS approaches may shed new light on genetic risk factors for IBM. Many variants have been reported at an increased frequency in IBM in small studies; however, only HLA association has shown genome-wide significance. Future studies are needed to validate variants in larger cohorts and to understand the molecular roles these risk factors play in IBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyla A Britson
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Graduate program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephanie Y Yang
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Graduate program in Human Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas E Lloyd
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Blocking extracellular activation of myostatin as a strategy for treating muscle wasting. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2292. [PMID: 29396542 PMCID: PMC5797207 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20524-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Many growth factors are intimately bound to the extracellular matrix, with regulated processing and release leading to cellular stimulation. Myostatin and GDF11 are closely related members of the TGFβ family whose activation requires two proteolytic cleavages to release the growth factor from the prodomain. Specific modulation of myostatin and GDF11 activity by targeting growth factor-receptor interactions has traditionally been challenging. Here we demonstrate that a novel strategy for blocking myostatin and GDF11, inhibition of growth factor release, specifically and potently inhibits signaling both in vitro and in vivo. We developed human monoclonal antibodies that selectively bind the myostatin and GDF11 precursor forms, including a subset that inhibit myostatin proteolytic activation and prevent muscle atrophy in vivo. The most potent myostatin activation-blocking antibodies promoted robust muscle growth and resulted in significant gains in muscle performance in healthy mice. Altogether, we show that blocking the extracellular activation of growth factors is a potent method for preventing signaling, serving as proof of concept for a novel therapeutic strategy that can be applied to other members of the TGFβ family of growth factors.
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