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Roger AL, Biswas DD, Huston ML, Le D, Bailey AM, Pucci LA, Shi Y, Robinson-Hamm J, Gersbach CA, ElMallah MK. Respiratory characterization of a humanized Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse model. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2024; 326:104282. [PMID: 38782084 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2024.104282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common X-linked disease. DMD is caused by a lack of dystrophin, a critical structural protein in striated muscle. Dystrophin deficiency leads to inflammation, fibrosis, and muscle atrophy. Boys with DMD have progressive muscle weakness within the diaphragm that results in respiratory failure in the 2nd or 3rd decade of life. The most common DMD mouse model - the mdx mouse - is not sufficient for evaluating genetic medicines that specifically target the human DMD (hDMD) gene sequence. Therefore, a novel transgenic mouse carrying the hDMD gene with an exon 52 deletion was created (hDMDΔ52;mdx). We characterized the respiratory function and pathology in this model using whole body plethysmography, histology, and immunohistochemistry. At 6-months-old, hDMDΔ52;mdx mice have reduced maximal respiration, neuromuscular junction pathology, and fibrosis throughout the diaphragm, which worsens at 12-months-old. In conclusion, the hDMDΔ52;mdx exhibits moderate respiratory pathology, and serves as a relevant animal model to study the impact of novel genetic therapies, including gene editing, on respiratory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L Roger
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Davina Le
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aidan M Bailey
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Logan A Pucci
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yihan Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Mai K ElMallah
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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Swiderski K, Chan AS, Herold MJ, Kueh AJ, Chung JD, Hardee JP, Trieu J, Chee A, Naim T, Gregorevic P, Lynch GS. The BALB/c.mdx62 mouse exhibits a dystrophic muscle pathology and is a model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050502. [PMID: 38602028 PMCID: PMC11095634 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating monogenic skeletal muscle-wasting disorder. Although many pharmacological and genetic interventions have been reported in preclinical studies, few have progressed to clinical trials with meaningful benefit. Identifying therapeutic potential can be limited by availability of suitable preclinical mouse models. More rigorous testing across models with varied background strains and mutations can identify treatments for clinical success. Here, we report the generation of a DMD mouse model with a CRISPR-induced deletion within exon 62 of the dystrophin gene (Dmd) and the first generated in BALB/c mice. Analysis of mice at 3, 6 and 12 months of age confirmed loss of expression of the dystrophin protein isoform Dp427 and resultant dystrophic pathology in limb muscles and the diaphragm, with evidence of centrally nucleated fibers, increased inflammatory markers and fibrosis, progressive decline in muscle function, and compromised trabecular bone development. The BALB/c.mdx62 mouse is a novel model of DMD with associated variations in the immune response and muscle phenotype, compared with those of existing models. It represents an important addition to the preclinical model toolbox for developing therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Swiderski
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Audrey S. Chan
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Marco J. Herold
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Kueh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Jin D. Chung
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Justin P. Hardee
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jennifer Trieu
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Annabel Chee
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Timur Naim
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Paul Gregorevic
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Gordon S. Lynch
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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Dowling P, Trollet C, Negroni E, Swandulla D, Ohlendieck K. How Can Proteomics Help to Elucidate the Pathophysiological Crosstalk in Muscular Dystrophy and Associated Multi-System Dysfunction? Proteomes 2024; 12:4. [PMID: 38250815 PMCID: PMC10801633 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes12010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This perspective article is concerned with the question of how proteomics, which is a core technique of systems biology that is deeply embedded in the multi-omics field of modern bioresearch, can help us better understand the molecular pathogenesis of complex diseases. As an illustrative example of a monogenetic disorder that primarily affects the neuromuscular system but is characterized by a plethora of multi-system pathophysiological alterations, the muscle-wasting disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy was examined. Recent achievements in the field of dystrophinopathy research are described with special reference to the proteome-wide complexity of neuromuscular changes and body-wide alterations/adaptations. Based on a description of the current applications of top-down versus bottom-up proteomic approaches and their technical challenges, future systems biological approaches are outlined. The envisaged holistic and integromic bioanalysis would encompass the integration of diverse omics-type studies including inter- and intra-proteomics as the core disciplines for systematic protein evaluations, with sophisticated biomolecular analyses, including physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry and histochemistry. Integrated proteomic findings promise to be instrumental in improving our detailed knowledge of pathogenic mechanisms and multi-system dysfunction, widening the available biomarker signature of dystrophinopathy for improved diagnostic/prognostic procedures, and advancing the identification of novel therapeutic targets to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Dowling
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland;
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Capucine Trollet
- Center for Research in Myology U974, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Myology Institute, 75013 Paris, France; (C.T.); (E.N.)
| | - Elisa Negroni
- Center for Research in Myology U974, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Myology Institute, 75013 Paris, France; (C.T.); (E.N.)
| | - Dieter Swandulla
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bonn, D53115 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland;
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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4
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Hiyoshi T, Zhao F, Baba R, Hirakawa T, Kuboki R, Suzuki K, Tomimatsu Y, O'Donnell P, Han S, Zach N, Nakashima M. Electrical impedance myography detects dystrophin-related muscle changes in mdx mice. Skelet Muscle 2023; 13:19. [PMID: 37980539 PMCID: PMC10657153 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-023-00331-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of functional dystrophin protein in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) causes chronic skeletal muscle inflammation and degeneration. Therefore, the restoration of functional dystrophin levels is a fundamental approach for DMD therapy. Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is an emerging tool that provides noninvasive monitoring of muscle conditions and has been suggested as a treatment response biomarker in diverse indications. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of skeletal muscles has become a standard measurement in clinical trials for DMD, EIM offers distinct advantages, such as portability, user-friendliness, and reduced cost, allowing for remote monitoring of disease progression or response to therapy. To investigate the potential of EIM as a biomarker for DMD, we compared longitudinal EIM data with MRI/histopathological data from an X-linked muscular dystrophy (mdx) mouse model of DMD. In addition, we investigated whether EIM could detect dystrophin-related changes in muscles using antisense-mediated exon skipping in mdx mice. METHODS The MRI data for muscle T2, the magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) data for fat fraction, and three EIM parameters with histopathology were longitudinally obtained from the hindlimb muscles of wild-type (WT) and mdx mice. In the EIM study, a cell-penetrating peptide (Pip9b2) conjugated antisense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PPMO), designed to induce exon-skipping and restore functional dystrophin production, was administered intravenously to mdx mice. RESULTS MRI imaging in mdx mice showed higher T2 intensity at 6 weeks of age in hindlimb muscles compared to WT mice, which decreased at ≥ 9 weeks of age. In contrast, EIM reactance began to decline at 12 weeks of age, with peak reduction at 18 weeks of age in mdx mice. This decline was associated with myofiber atrophy and connective tissue infiltration in the skeletal muscles. Repeated dosing of PPMO (10 mg/kg, 4 times every 2 weeks) in mdx mice led to an increase in muscular dystrophin protein and reversed the decrease in EIM reactance. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that muscle T2 MRI is sensitive to the early inflammatory response associated with dystrophin deficiency, whereas EIM provides a valuable biomarker for the noninvasive monitoring of subsequent changes in skeletal muscle composition. Furthermore, EIM reactance has the potential to monitor dystrophin-deficient muscle abnormalities and their recovery in response to antisense-mediated exon skipping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuaki Hiyoshi
- Neuroscience Translational Medicine, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Fuqiang Zhao
- Center of Excellence for Imaging, Preclinical and Translational Sciences, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., 95 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Rina Baba
- Muscular Disease and Neuropathy Unit, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hirakawa
- Muscular Disease and Neuropathy Unit, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kuboki
- Muscular Disease and Neuropathy Unit, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Kazunori Suzuki
- Muscular Disease and Neuropathy Unit, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Tomimatsu
- Neuroscience Translational Medicine, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan
| | - Patricio O'Donnell
- Neuroscience Translational Medicine, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., 95 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Steve Han
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., 95 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Neta Zach
- Neuroscience Translational Medicine, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., 95 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Masato Nakashima
- Neuroscience Translational Medicine, Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 251-8555, Japan.
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5
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Long AM, Lee G, Demonbreun AR, McNally EM. Extracellular matrix contribution to disease progression and dysfunction in myopathy. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C1244-C1251. [PMID: 37746696 PMCID: PMC10855263 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00182.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Myopathic processes affect skeletal muscle and heart. In the muscular dystrophies, which are a subset of myopathies, muscle cells are gradually replaced by fibrosis and fat, impairing muscle function as well as regeneration and repair. In addition to skeletal muscle, these genetic disorders often also affect the heart, where fibrofatty infiltration progressively accumulates in the myocardium, impairing heart function. Although considerable effort has focused on gene-corrective and gene-replacement approaches to stabilize myofibers and cardiomyocytes, the continual and ongoing deposition of extracellular matrix itself contributes to tissue and organ dysfunction. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling, along with high-resolution imaging and biophysical measurements, have been applied to define extracellular matrix components and their role in contributing to cardiac and skeletal muscle weakness. More recently, decellularization methods have been adapted to an on-slide format to preserve the spatial geography of the extracellular matrix, allowing new insight into matrix remodeling and its direct role in suppressing regeneration in muscle. This review highlights recent literature with focus on the extracellular matrix and molecular mechanisms that contribute to muscle and heart fibrotic disorders. We will also compare how the myopathic matrix differs from healthy matrix, emphasizing how the pathological matrix contributes to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee M Long
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - GaHyun Lee
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Alexis R Demonbreun
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Elizabeth M McNally
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
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6
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Tejedera-Villafranca A, Montolio M, Ramón-Azcón J, Fernández-Costa JM. Mimicking sarcolemmal damage in vitro: a contractile 3D model of skeletal muscle for drug testing in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Biofabrication 2023; 15:045024. [PMID: 37725998 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acfb3d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most prevalent neuromuscular disease diagnosed in childhood. It is a progressive and wasting disease, characterized by a degeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscles caused by the lack of dystrophin protein. The absence of this crucial structural protein leads to sarcolemmal fragility, resulting in muscle fiber damage during contraction. Despite ongoing efforts, there is no cure available for DMD patients. One of the primary challenges is the limited efficacy of current preclinical tools, which fail in modeling the biological complexity of the disease. Human-based three-dimensional (3D) cell culture methods appear as a novel approach to accelerate preclinical research by enhancing the reproduction of pathophysiological processes in skeletal muscle. In this work, we developed a patient-derived functional 3D skeletal muscle model of DMD that reproduces the sarcolemmal damage found in the native DMD muscle. These bioengineered skeletal muscle tissues exhibit contractile functionality, as they responded to electrical pulse stimulation. Sustained contractile regimes induced the loss of myotube integrity, mirroring the pathological myotube breakdown inherent in DMD due to sarcolemmal instability. Moreover, damaged DMD tissues showed disease functional phenotypes, such as tetanic fatigue. We also evaluated the therapeutic effect of utrophin upregulator drug candidates on the functionality of the skeletal muscle tissues, thus providing deeper insight into the real impact of these treatments. Overall, our findings underscore the potential of bioengineered 3D skeletal muscle technology to advance DMD research and facilitate the development of novel therapies for DMD and related neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainoa Tejedera-Villafranca
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), C/Baldiri Reixac 10-12, E08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marisol Montolio
- Duchenne Parent Project España, E28032 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, E08027 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Ramón-Azcón
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), C/Baldiri Reixac 10-12, E08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Reserca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Passeig de Lluís Companys, 23, E08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan M Fernández-Costa
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), C/Baldiri Reixac 10-12, E08028 Barcelona, Spain
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7
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Dowling P, Gargan S, Zweyer M, Swandulla D, Ohlendieck K. Extracellular Matrix Proteomics: The mdx-4cv Mouse Diaphragm as a Surrogate for Studying Myofibrosis in Dystrophinopathy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1108. [PMID: 37509144 PMCID: PMC10377647 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The progressive degeneration of the skeletal musculature in Duchenne muscular dystrophy is accompanied by reactive myofibrosis, fat substitution, and chronic inflammation. Fibrotic changes and reduced tissue elasticity correlate with the loss in motor function in this X-chromosomal disorder. Thus, although dystrophinopathies are due to primary abnormalities in the DMD gene causing the almost-complete absence of the cytoskeletal Dp427-M isoform of dystrophin in voluntary muscles, the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins presents a key histopathological hallmark of muscular dystrophy. Animal model research has been instrumental in the characterization of dystrophic muscles and has contributed to a better understanding of the complex pathogenesis of dystrophinopathies, the discovery of new disease biomarkers, and the testing of novel therapeutic strategies. In this article, we review how mass-spectrometry-based proteomics can be used to study changes in key components of the endomysium, perimysium, and epimysium, such as collagens, proteoglycans, matricellular proteins, and adhesion receptors. The mdx-4cv mouse diaphragm displays severe myofibrosis, making it an ideal model system for large-scale surveys of systematic alterations in the matrisome of dystrophic fibers. Novel biomarkers of myofibrosis can now be tested for their appropriateness in the preclinical and clinical setting as diagnostic, pharmacodynamic, prognostic, and/or therapeutic monitoring indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Dowling
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Stephen Gargan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Margit Zweyer
- Department of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Children's Hospital, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Bonn, D53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dieter Swandulla
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, D53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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8
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Hahn D, Quick JD, Thompson BR, Crabtree A, Hackel BJ, Bates FS, Metzger JM. Rapid restitution of contractile dysfunction by synthetic copolymers in dystrophin-deficient single live skeletal muscle fibers. Skelet Muscle 2023; 13:9. [PMID: 37208786 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-023-00318-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by the lack of dystrophin, a cytoskeletal protein essential for the preservation of the structural integrity of the muscle cell membrane. DMD patients develop severe skeletal muscle weakness, degeneration, and early death. We tested here amphiphilic synthetic membrane stabilizers in mdx skeletal muscle fibers (flexor digitorum brevis; FDB) to determine their effectiveness in restoring contractile function in dystrophin-deficient live skeletal muscle fibers. After isolating FDB fibers via enzymatic digestion and trituration from thirty-three adult male mice (9 C57BL10, 24 mdx), these were plated on a laminin-coated coverslip and treated with poloxamer 188 (P188; PEO75-PPO30-PEO75; 8400 g/mol), architecturally inverted triblock (PPO15-PEO200-PPO15, 10,700 g/mol), and diblock (PEO75-PPO16-C4, 4200 g/mol) copolymers. We assessed the twitch kinetics of sarcomere length (SL) and intracellular Ca2+ transient by Fura-2AM by field stimulation (25 V, 0.2 Hz, 25 °C). Twitch contraction peak SL shortening of mdx FDB fibers was markedly depressed to 30% of the dystrophin-replete control FDB fibers from C57BL10 (P < 0.001). Compared to vehicle-treated mdx FDB fibers, copolymer treatment robustly and rapidly restored the twitch peak SL shortening (all P < 0.05) by P188 (15 μM = + 110%, 150 μM = + 220%), diblock (15 μM = + 50%, 150 μM = + 50%), and inverted triblock copolymer (15 μM = + 180%, 150 μM = + 90%). Twitch peak Ca2+ transient from mdx FDB fibers was also depressed compared to C57BL10 FDB fibers (P < 0.001). P188 and inverted triblock copolymer treatment of mdx FDB fibers increased the twitch peak Ca2+ transient (P < 0.001). This study shows synthetic block copolymers with varied architectures can rapidly and highly effectively enhance contractile function in live dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwoo Hahn
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, 6-125 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Joseph D Quick
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, 6-125 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Brian R Thompson
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, 6-125 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Adelyn Crabtree
- Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, University of Minnesota, 151 Amundson Hall, 421 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Benjamin J Hackel
- Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, University of Minnesota, 151 Amundson Hall, 421 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Frank S Bates
- Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, University of Minnesota, 151 Amundson Hall, 421 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Joseph M Metzger
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, 6-125 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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9
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Ishii MN, Nakashima M, Kamiguchi H, Zach N, Kuboki R, Baba R, Hirakawa T, Suzuki K, Quinton M. Urine titin as a novel biomarker for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:302-308. [PMID: 36871413 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most severe form of muscular dystrophy that is caused by lack of dystrophin, a critical structural protein in skeletal muscle. DMD treatments, and quantitative biomarkers to assess the efficacy of potential treatments, are urgently needed. Previous evidence has shown that titin, a muscle cell protein, is increased in the urine of patients with DMD, suggesting its usefulness as a DMD biomarker. Here, we demonstrated that the elevated titin in urine is directly associated with the lack of dystrophin and urine titin responses to drug treatment. We performed a drug intervention study using mdx mice, a DMD mouse model. We showed that mdx mice, which lack dystrophin due to a mutation in exon 23 of the Dmd gene, have elevated urine titin. Treatment with an exon skipper that targets exon 23 rescued muscle dystrophin level and dramatically decreased urine titin in mdx mice and correlates with dystrophin expression. We also demonstrated that titin levels were significantly increased in the urine of patients with DMD. This suggests that elevated urine titin level might be a hallmark of DMD and a useful pharmacodynamic marker for therapies designed to restore dystrophin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misawa Niki Ishii
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, 251-0012, 26-1, 2-chome, Higashimuraoka, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Masato Nakashima
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, 251-0012, 26-1, 2-chome, Higashimuraoka, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hidenori Kamiguchi
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, 251-0012, 26-1, 2-chome, Higashimuraoka, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Neta Zach
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, US, 350 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02139, United Kingdom
| | - Ryosuke Kuboki
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, 251-0012, 26-1, 2-chome, Higashimuraoka, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Rina Baba
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, 251-0012, 26-1, 2-chome, Higashimuraoka, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hirakawa
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, 251-0012, 26-1, 2-chome, Higashimuraoka, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazunori Suzuki
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, 251-0012, 26-1, 2-chome, Higashimuraoka, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Maria Quinton
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, US, 350 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02139, United Kingdom
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Ahmed Z, Qaisar R. Nanomedicine for Treating Muscle Dystrophies: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231912039. [PMID: 36233338 PMCID: PMC9569435 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231912039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a group of genetic muscular diseases characterized by impaired muscle regeneration, which leads to pathological inflammation that drives muscle wasting and eventually results in weakness, functional dependency, and premature death. The most known causes of death include respiratory muscle failure due to diaphragm muscle decay. There is no definitive treatment for muscular dystrophies, and conventional therapies aim to ameliorate muscle wasting by promoting physiological muscle regeneration and growth. However, their effects on muscle function remain limited, illustrating the requirement for major advancements in novel approaches to treatments, such as nanomedicine. Nanomedicine is a rapidly evolving field that seeks to optimize drug delivery to target tissues by merging pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. However, the therapeutic potential of nanomedicine in muscular dystrophies is poorly understood. This review highlights recent work in the application of nanomedicine in treating muscular dystrophies. First, we discuss the history and applications of nanomedicine from a broader perspective. Second, we address the use of nanoparticles for drug delivery, gene regulation, and editing to target Duchenne muscular dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy. Next, we highlight the potential hindrances and limitations of using nanomedicine in the context of cell culture and animal models. Finally, the future perspectives for using nanomedicine in clinics are summarized with relevance to muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaheer Ahmed
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Rizwan Qaisar
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +971-6505-7254; Fax: +971-6558-5879
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11
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Cleverdon RE, Braun JL, Geromella MS, Whitley KC, Marko DM, Hamstra SI, Roy BD, MacPherson RE, Fajardo VA. Sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase function is impaired in skeletal and cardiac muscles from young DBA/2J mdx mice. iScience 2022; 25:104972. [PMID: 36093052 PMCID: PMC9459692 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The DBA/2J (D2) mdx mouse is a more severe model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy when compared to the traditional C57BL/10 (C57) mdx mouse. Here, we questioned whether sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) function would differ in muscles from young D2 and C57 mdx mice. Both D2 and C57 mdx mice exhibited signs of impaired Ca2+ uptake in the gastrocnemius, diaphragm, and left ventricle; however, the level of impairment was more severe in D2 mdx mice. Reductions in maximal SERCA activity were also more prominent in the D2 mdx gastrocnemius and diaphragm when compared to those from C57 mdx mice; however, there were no differences detected in the left ventricle. Across all muscles, D2 mdx mice had the highest levels of oxidative stress as indicated by protein nitrosylation and/or nitration. In conclusion, our study shows that SERCA function is more impaired in young D2 mdx mice compared with age-matched C57 mdx mice. Ca2+ uptake is severely impaired in muscles from young DBA/2J (D2) mdx mice Maximal SERCA activity is lowered to a greater degree in muscles from D2 mdx mice Muscles from young D2 mdx mice have higher levels of oxidative/nitrosative stress Worsened SERCA function may contribute to worsened muscle pathology in D2 mdx mice
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12
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Bellissimo CA, Garibotti MC, Perry CGR. Mitochondrial Stress Responses in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Metabolic Dysfunction or Adaptive Reprogramming? Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C718-C730. [PMID: 35816642 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00249.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial stress may be a secondary contributor to muscle weakness in inherited muscular dystrophies. Duchenne muscular dystrophy has received the majority of attention whereby most discoveries suggest mitochondrial ATP synthesis may be reduced. However, not all studies support this finding. Furthermore, some studies have reported increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and propensity for permeability transition pore formation as an inducer of apoptosis, although divergent findings have also been described. A closer examination of the literature suggests the degree and direction of mitochondrial stress responses may depend on the progression of the disease, the muscle type examined, the mouse model employed with regards to pre-clinical research, the precise metabolic pathways in consideration, and in some cases the in vitro technique used to assess a given mitochondrial bioenergetic function. One intent of this review is to provide careful considerations for future experimental designs to resolve the heterogeneous nature of mitochondrial stress during the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Such considerations have implications for other muscular dystrophies as well which are addressed briefly herein. A renewed perspective of the term 'mitochondrial dysfunction' is presented whereby stress responses might be re-explored in future investigations as direct contributors to myopathy vs an adaptive 'reprogramming' intended to maintain homeostasis in the face of disease stressors themselves. In so doing, the prospective development of mitochondrial enhancement therapies can be driven by advances in perspectives as much as experimental approaches when resolving the precise relationships between mitochondrial remodelling and muscle weakness in Duchenne and, indeed, other muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Bellissimo
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Madison C Garibotti
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher G R Perry
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Babaeijandaghi F, Cheng R, Kajabadi N, Soliman H, Chang CK, Smandych J, Tung LW, Long R, Ghassemi A, Rossi FMV. Metabolic reprogramming of skeletal muscle by resident macrophages points to CSF1R inhibitors as muscular dystrophy therapeutics. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabg7504. [PMID: 35767650 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abg7504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The role of tissue-resident macrophages during tissue regeneration or fibrosis is not well understood, mainly due to the lack of a specific marker for their identification. Here, we identified three populations of skeletal muscle-resident myelomonocytic cells: a population of macrophages positive for lymphatic vessel endothelial receptor 1 (LYVE1) and T cell membrane protein 4 (TIM4 or TIMD4), a population of LYVE1-TIM4- macrophages, and a population of cells likely representing dendritic cells that were positive for CD11C and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII). Using a combination of parabiosis and lineage-tracing experiments, we found that, at steady state, TIM4- macrophages were replenished from the blood, whereas TIM4+ macrophages locally self-renewed [self-renewing resident macrophages (SRRMs)]. We further showed that Timd4 could be reliably used to distinguish SRRMs from damage-induced infiltrating macrophages. Using a colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibition/withdrawal approach to specifically deplete SRRMs, we found that SRRMs provided a nonredundant function in clearing damage-induced apoptotic cells early after extensive acute injury. In contrast, in chronic mild injury as seen in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, depletion of both TIM4-- and TIM4+-resident macrophage populations through long-term CSF1R inhibition changed muscle fiber composition from damage-sensitive glycolytic fibers toward damage-resistant glycolytic-oxidative fibers, thereby protecting muscle against contraction-induced injury both ex vivo and in vivo. This work reveals a previously unidentified role for resident macrophages in modulating tissue metabolism and may have therapeutic potential given the ongoing clinical testing of CSF1R inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farshad Babaeijandaghi
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Ryan Cheng
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Nasim Kajabadi
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Hesham Soliman
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt.,Aspect Biosystems, 1781 W 75th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6P 6P2, Canada
| | - Chih-Kai Chang
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Josh Smandych
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Lin Wei Tung
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Reece Long
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Amirhossein Ghassemi
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Fabio M V Rossi
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Connolly EL, Sim M, Travica N, Marx W, Beasy G, Lynch GS, Bondonno CP, Lewis JR, Hodgson JM, Blekkenhorst LC. Glucosinolates From Cruciferous Vegetables and Their Potential Role in Chronic Disease: Investigating the Preclinical and Clinical Evidence. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:767975. [PMID: 34764875 PMCID: PMC8575925 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.767975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing body of evidence highlights the strong potential for a diet rich in fruit and vegetables to delay, and often prevent, the onset of chronic diseases, including cardiometabolic, neurological, and musculoskeletal conditions, and certain cancers. A possible protective component, glucosinolates, which are phytochemicals found almost exclusively in cruciferous vegetables, have been identified from preclinical and clinical studies. Current research suggests that glucosinolates (and isothiocyanates) act via several mechanisms, ultimately exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chemo-protective effects. This review summarizes the current knowledge surrounding cruciferous vegetables and their glucosinolates in relation to the specified health conditions. Although there is evidence that consumption of a high glucosinolate diet is linked with reduced incidence of chronic diseases, future large-scale placebo-controlled human trials including standardized glucosinolate supplements are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Connolly
- Institute for Nutrition Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Marc Sim
- Institute for Nutrition Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital Research Foundation, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nikolaj Travica
- IMPACT-The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Marx
- IMPACT-The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Gemma Beasy
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon S Lynch
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Centre for Muscle Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Catherine P Bondonno
- Institute for Nutrition Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital Research Foundation, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Joshua R Lewis
- Institute for Nutrition Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital Research Foundation, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan M Hodgson
- Institute for Nutrition Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital Research Foundation, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lauren C Blekkenhorst
- Institute for Nutrition Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital Research Foundation, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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