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McIlvenna LC, Whitham M. Exercise, healthy ageing, and the potential role of small extracellular vesicles. J Physiol 2023; 601:4937-4951. [PMID: 35388915 PMCID: PMC10952297 DOI: 10.1113/jp282468] [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: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be released from most cells in the body and act as intercellular messengers transferring information in their cargo to affect cellular function. A growing body of evidence suggests that a subset of EVs, referred to here as 'small extracellular vesicles' (sEVs), can accelerate or slow the processes of ageing and age-related diseases dependent on their molecular cargo and cellular origin. Continued exploration of the vast complexity of the sEV cargo aims to further characterise these systemic vehicles that may be targeted to ameliorate age-related pathologies. Marked progress in the development of mass spectrometry-based technologies means that it is now possible to characterise a significant proportion of the proteome of sEVs (surface and cargo) via unbiased proteomics. This information is vital for identifying biomarkers and the development of sEV-based therapeutics in the context of ageing. Although exercise and physical activity are prominent features in maintaining health in advancing years, the mechanisms responsible are unclear. A potential mechanism by which plasma sEVs released during exercise could influence ageing and senescence is via the increased delivery of cargo proteins that function as antioxidant enzymes or inhibitors of senescence. These have been observed to increase in sEVs following acute and chronic exercise, as identified via independent interrogation of high coverage, publicly available proteomic datasets. Establishing tropism and exchange of functionally active proteins by these processes represents a promising line of enquiry in implicating sEVs as biologically relevant mediators of the ageing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke C. McIlvenna
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Martin Whitham
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
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Gonzalez-Franquesa A, Stocks B, Borg ML, Kuefner M, Dalbram E, Nielsen TS, Agrawal A, Pankratova S, Chibalin AV, Karlsson HKR, Gheibi S, Björnholm M, Jørgensen NR, Clemmensen C, Hostrup M, Treebak JT, Krook A, Zierath JR, Deshmukh AS. Discovery of thymosin β4 as a human exerkine and growth factor. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C770-C778. [PMID: 34495765 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00263.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is an endocrine organ secreting exercise-induced factors (exerkines), which play a pivotal role in interorgan cross talk. Using mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics, we characterized the secretome and identified thymosin β4 (TMSB4X) as the most upregulated secreted protein in the media of contracting C2C12 myotubes. TMSB4X was also acutely increased in the plasma of exercising humans irrespective of the insulin resistance condition or exercise mode. Treatment of mice with TMSB4X did not ameliorate the metabolic disruptions associated with diet induced-obesity, nor did it enhance muscle regeneration in vivo. However, TMSB4X increased osteoblast proliferation and neurite outgrowth, consistent with its WADA classification as a prohibited growth factor. Therefore, we report TMSB4X as a human exerkine with a potential role in cellular cross talk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Gonzalez-Franquesa
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ben Stocks
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Melissa L Borg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Kuefner
- Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emilie Dalbram
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas S Nielsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ankita Agrawal
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Stanislava Pankratova
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | | | - Håkan K R Karlsson
- Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sevda Gheibi
- Diabetes - Molecular Metabolism Group, Clinical Research Center, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Marie Björnholm
- Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Christoffer Clemmensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Hostrup
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas T Treebak
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Krook
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juleen R Zierath
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Atul S Deshmukh
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Clinical Proteomics, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abdel-Raouf KMA, Rezgui R, Stefanini C, Teo JCM, Christoforou N. Transdifferentiation of Human Fibroblasts into Skeletal Muscle Cells: Optimization and Assembly into Engineered Tissue Constructs through Biological Ligands. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10060539. [PMID: 34208436 PMCID: PMC8235639 DOI: 10.3390/biology10060539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Engineered human skeletal muscle tissue is a platform tool that can help scientists and physicians better understand human physiology, pharmacology, and disease modeling. Over the past few years this area of research has been actively being pursued by many labs worldwide. Significant challenges remain, including accessing an adequate cell source, and achieving proper physiological-like architecture of the engineered tissue. To address cell resourcing we aimed at further optimizing a process called transdifferentiation which involves the direct conversion of fibroblasts into skeletal muscle cells. The opportunity here is that fibroblasts are readily available and can be expanded sufficiently to meet the needs of a tissue engineering approach. Additionally, we aimed to demonstrate the applicability of transdifferentiation in assembling tissue engineered skeletal muscle. We implemented a screening process of protein ligands in an effort to refine transdifferentiation, and identified that most proteins resulted in a deficit in transdifferentiation efficiency, although one resulted in robust expansion of cultured cells. We were also successful in assembling engineered constructs consisting of transdifferentiated cells. Future directives involve demonstrating that the engineered tissues are capable of contractile and functional activity, and pursuit of optimizing factors such as electrical and chemical exposure, towards achieving physiological parameters observed in human muscle. Abstract The development of robust skeletal muscle models has been challenging due to the partial recapitulation of human physiology and architecture. Reliable and innovative 3D skeletal muscle models recently described offer an alternative that more accurately captures the in vivo environment but require an abundant cell source. Direct reprogramming or transdifferentiation has been considered as an alternative. Recent reports have provided evidence for significant improvements in the efficiency of derivation of human skeletal myotubes from human fibroblasts. Herein we aimed at improving the transdifferentiation process of human fibroblasts (tHFs), in addition to the differentiation of murine skeletal myoblasts (C2C12), and the differentiation of primary human skeletal myoblasts (HSkM). Differentiating or transdifferentiating cells were exposed to single or combinations of biological ligands, including Follistatin, GDF8, FGF2, GDF11, GDF15, hGH, TMSB4X, BMP4, BMP7, IL6, and TNF-α. These were selected for their critical roles in myogenesis and regeneration. C2C12 and tHFs displayed significant differentiation deficits when exposed to FGF2, BMP4, BMP7, and TNF-α, while proliferation was significantly enhanced by FGF2. When exposed to combinations of ligands, we observed consistent deficit differentiation when TNF-α was included. Finally, our direct reprogramming technique allowed for the assembly of elongated, cross-striated, and aligned tHFs within tissue-engineered 3D skeletal muscle constructs. In conclusion, we describe an efficient system to transdifferentiate human fibroblasts into myogenic cells and a platform for the generation of tissue-engineered constructs. Future directions will involve the evaluation of the functional characteristics of these engineered tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M. A. Abdel-Raouf
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates;
- Department of Biology, American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Correspondence: (K.M.A.A.-R.); (N.C.)
| | - Rachid Rezgui
- Core Technology Platforms, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi 129188, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Cesare Stefanini
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates;
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jeremy C. M. Teo
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi 129188, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Nicolas Christoforou
- Pfizer Inc., Rare Disease Research Unit, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Correspondence: (K.M.A.A.-R.); (N.C.)
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Bjørklund G, Dadar M, Aaseth J, Chirumbolo S. Thymosin β4: A Multi-Faceted Tissue Repair Stimulating Protein in Heart Injury. Curr Med Chem 2021; 27:6294-6305. [PMID: 31333080 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190716125456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4) is known as a major pleiotropic actin-sequestering protein that is involved in tumorigenesis. Tβ4 is a water-soluble protein that has different promising clinical applications in the remodeling and ulcerated tissues repair following myocardial infarction, stroke, plasticity and neurovascular remodeling of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and the Central Nervous System (CNS). On the other hand, similar effects have been observed for Tβ4 in other kinds of tissues, including cardiac muscle tissue. In recent reports, as it activates resident epicardial progenitor cells and modulates inflammatory-caused injuries, Tβ4 has been suggested as a promoter of the survival of cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, Tβ4 may act in skeletal muscle and different organs in association/synergism with numerous other tissue repair stimulating factors, including melatonin and C-fiber-derived peptides. For these reasons, the present review highlights the promising role of Tβ4 in cardiac healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Jan Aaseth
- Research Department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway,Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences,
University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Zschüntzsch J, Jouvenal PV, Zhang Y, Klinker F, Tiburcy M, Liebetanz D, Malzahn D, Brinkmeier H, Schmidt J. Long-term human IgG treatment improves heart and muscle function in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2020; 11:1018-1031. [PMID: 32436338 PMCID: PMC7432639 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle-wasting disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which leads to structural instability of the dystrophin-glycoprotein-complex with subsequent muscle degeneration. In addition, muscle inflammation has been implicated in disease progression and therapeutically addressed with glucocorticosteroids. These have numerous adverse effects. Treatment with human immunoglobulin G (IgG) improved clinical and para-clinical parameters in the early disease phase in the well-established mdx mouse model. The aim of the present study was to confirm the efficacy of IgG in a long-term pre-clinical study in mdx mice. METHODS IgG (2 g/kg body weight) or NaCl solution as control was administered monthly over 18 months by intraperitoneal injection in mdx mice beginning at 3 weeks of age. Several clinical outcome measures including endurance, muscle strength, and echocardiography were assessed. After 18 months, the animals were sacrificed, blood was collected for analysis, and muscle samples were obtained for ex vivo muscle contraction tests, quantitative PCR, and histology. RESULTS IgG significantly improved the daily voluntary running performance (1.9 m more total daily running distance, P < 0.0001) and slowed the decrease in grip strength by 0.1 mN, (P = 0.018). IgG reduced fatigability of the diaphragm (improved ratio to maximum force by 0.09 ± 0.04, P = 0.044), but specific tetanic force remained unchanged in the ex vivo muscle contraction test. Cardiac function was significantly better after IgG, especially fractional area shortening (P = 0.012). These results were accompanied by a reduction in cardiac fibrosis and the infiltration of T cells (P = 0.0002) and macrophages (P = 0.0027). In addition, treatment with IgG resulted in a significant reduction of the infiltration of T cells (P ≤ 0.036) in the diaphragm, gastrocnemius, quadriceps, and a similar trend in tibialis anterior and macrophages (P ≤ 0.045) in gastrocnemius, quadriceps, tibialis anterior, and a similar trend in the diaphragm, as well as a decrease in myopathic changes as reflected by a reduced central nuclear index in the diaphragm, tibialis anterior, and quadriceps (P ≤ 0.002 in all). CONCLUSIONS The present study underscores the importance of an inflammatory contribution to the disease progression of DMD. The data demonstrate the long-term efficacy of IgG in the mdx mouse. IgG is well tolerated by humans and could preferentially complement gene therapy in DMD. The data call for a clinical trial with IgG in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Zschüntzsch
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Pia Vanessa Jouvenal
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yaxin Zhang
- Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Karlsburg, Germany
| | - Florian Klinker
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Malte Tiburcy
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - David Liebetanz
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dörthe Malzahn
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,mzBiostatistics, Statistical Consultancy, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Heinrich Brinkmeier
- Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Karlsburg, Germany
| | - Jens Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Wang M, Wang B, Liu M, Jiang K, Wang L. Comparative study of β-thymosin in two scallop species Argopecten irradians and Chlamys farreri. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 86:516-524. [PMID: 30468890 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The β-thymosin (Tβ) proteins participate in numerous biological processes, such as cell proliferation and differentiation, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial mechanism. To date, Tβ proteins have been well studied in vertebrates, especially mammals. While limited Tβ or Tβ-like proteins have been reported in invertebrates. Moreover, rare information of Tβ or Tβ-like proteins is available in scallop species yet. In the present study, two Tβ homologues, AiTβ and CfTβ, were identified and characterized from two scallop species bay scallop Argopecten irradians and Zhikong scallop Chlamys farreri. They were both 41 amino acid peptide and contained one THY domain, a highly conserved actin-binding motif and two conserved helix forming regions. Tissue distribution and expression profiles of their mRNA transcripts were roughly similar yet different in detail, while their recombinant proteins exhibited different immunomodulation activity on the downstream immune parameters. These results collectively indicated that the function of Tβ family in scallop were functionally differentiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqiang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Research Platform for Marine Molecular Biotechnology, National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Baojie Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Mei Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Keyong Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Lei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; CAS Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266400, China.
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Li J, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Xiang Z, Qu F, Yu Z. A thymosin beta-4 is involved in production of hemocytes and immune defense of Hong Kong oyster, Crassostrea hongkongensis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 57:1-9. [PMID: 26695126 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is a ubiquitous protein with multiple and diverse intracellular and extracellular functions in vertebrates. In this study, the full-length cDNA of Tβ4 was cloned and identified in Crassostrea hongkongensis, designated as ChTβ4. The full-length cDNA of ChTβ4 consists of 530 bp with an open reading frame of 126 bp encoding a 41 amino acid polypeptide. SMART analysis indicated that there is one thymosin domain and a highly conserved actin-binding motif (18LKKTET23) in ChTβ4. In vivo injection of recombinant ChTβ4 protein could significantly increase total hemocytes count in oysters, and knockdown of the expression of ChTβ4 resulted in a significant decrease in the circulating hemocytes. Tissue distribution analysis revealed a ubiquitous presence of ChTβ4, with the highest expression in hemocytes. The upregulated transcripts of ChTβ4 in response to bacterial challenge and tissue injury suggest that ChTβ4 is involved in both innate immunity against pathogen infection and wound healing. Moreover, bacteria-clearance experiment showed ChTβ4 could facilitate the clearance of injected bacteria in oysters. In vivo injection with ChTβ4 resulted in reduction of the intracellular ROS in hemocytes, which was associated with increased expression of antioxidant enzymes Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase, and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) by pre-treatment with ChTβ4. These results suggest that ChTβ4 is a thymosin beta-4 homolog and plays a vital role in the immune defense of C. hongkongensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, China; South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, China
| | - Yuehuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, China; South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, China; South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, China; South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, China.
| | - Zhiming Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, China; South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, China
| | - Fufa Qu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, China; South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, China
| | - Ziniu Yu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, China; South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, China.
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Blat Y, Blat S. Drug Discovery of Therapies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 20:1189-203. [PMID: 25975656 DOI: 10.1177/1087057115586535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic, lethal, muscle disorder caused by the loss of the muscle protein, dystrophin, leading to progressive loss of muscle fibers and muscle weakness. Drug discovery efforts targeting DMD have used two main approaches: (1) the restoration of dystrophin expression or the expression of a compensatory protein, and (2) the mitigation of downstream pathological mechanisms, including dysregulated calcium homeostasis, oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and muscle ischemia. The aim of this review is to introduce the disease, its pathophysiology, and the available research tools to a drug discovery audience. This review will also detail the most promising therapies that are currently being tested in clinical trials or in advanced preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shachar Blat
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Yang X, Koltes JE, Park CA, Chen D, Reecy JM. Gene co-expression network analysis provides novel insights into myostatin regulation at three different mouse developmental timepoints. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117607. [PMID: 25695797 PMCID: PMC4335066 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Myostatin (Mstn) knockout mice exhibit large increases in skeletal muscle mass. However, relatively few of the genes that mediate or modify MSTN effects are known. In this study, we performed co-expression network analysis using whole transcriptome microarray data from MSTN-null and wild-type mice to identify genes involved in important biological processes and pathways related to skeletal muscle and adipose development. Genes differentially expressed between wild-type and MSTN-null mice were further analyzed for shared DNA motifs using DREME. Differentially expressed genes were identified at 13.5 d.p.c. during primary myogenesis and at d35 during postnatal muscle development, but not at 17.5 d.p.c. during secondary myogenesis. In total, 283 and 2034 genes were differentially expressed at 13.5 d.p.c. and d35, respectively. Over-represented transcription factor binding sites in differentially expressed genes included SMAD3, SP1, ZFP187, and PLAGL1. The use of regulatory (RIF) and phenotypic (PIF) impact factor and differential hubbing co-expression analyses identified both known and potentially novel regulators of skeletal muscle growth, including Apobec2, Atp2a2, and Mmp13 at d35 and Sox2, Tmsb4x, and Vdac1 at 13.5 d.p.c. Among the genes with the highest PIF scores were many fiber type specifying genes. The use of RIF, PIF, and differential hubbing analyses identified both known and potentially novel regulators of muscle development. These results provide new details of how MSTN may mediate transcriptional regulation as well as insight into novel regulators of MSTN signal transduction that merit further study regarding their physiological roles in muscle and adipose development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuerong Yang
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, Sichuan, China
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - James E. Koltes
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Carissa A. Park
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Daiwen Chen
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, Sichuan, China
| | - James M. Reecy
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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10
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Abstract
Dystrophin deficiency causes contraction-induced injury and damage to the muscle fiber, resulting in sustained increase in intracellular calcium levels, activation of calcium-dependent proteases and cell death. It is known that the Ryanodine receptor (RyR1) on the sarcoplasmic reticular (SR) membrane controls calcium release. Dantrolene, an FDA approved skeletal muscle relaxant, inhibits the release of calcium from the SR during excitation-contraction and suppresses uncontrolled calcium release by directly acting on the RyR complex to limit its activation. This study examines whether Dantrolene can reduce the disease phenotype in the mdx mouse model of muscular dystrophy. We treated mdx mice (4 weeks old) with daily intraperitoneal injections of 40mg/kg of Dantrolene for 6 weeks and measured functional (grip strength, in vitro force contractions), behavioral (open field digiscan), imagining (optical imaging for inflammation), histological (H&E), and molecular (protein and RNA) endpoints in a blinded fashion. We found that treatment with Dantrolene resulted in decreased grip strength and open field behavioral activity in mdx mice. There was no significant difference in inflammation either by optical imaging analysis of cathepsin activity or histological (H&E) analysis. In vitro force contraction measures showed no changes in EDL muscle-specific force, lengthening-contraction force deficit, or fatigue resistance. We found Dantrolene treatment significantly reduces serum CK levels. Further, Dantrolene-treated mice showed decreased SERCA1 but not RyR1 expression in skeletal muscle. These results suggest that Dantrolene treatment alone has no significant beneficial effects at the tested doses in young mdx mice.
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11
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Davison G, Brown S. The potential use and abuse of thymosin β-4 in sport and exercise science. J Sports Sci 2013; 31:917-8. [DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2013.771958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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12
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Stark C, Taimen P, Tarkia M, Pärkkä J, Saraste A, Alastalo TP, Savunen T, Koskenvuo J. Therapeutic potential of thymosin β4 in myocardial infarct and heart failure. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2012; 1269:117-24. [PMID: 23045979 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06695.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a peptide known for its abilities to protect and facilitate regeneration in a number of tissues following injury. Its cardioprotective effects have been evaluated in different animal models and, currently, a clinical trial is being planned in patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction. This paper focuses on the effects of Tβ4 on cardiac function in animal studies utilizing different imaging modalities for outcome measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer Stark
- Department of Surgery, Turku University Central Hospital, Turku, Finland.
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Grüner BM, Hahne H, Mazur PK, Trajkovic-Arsic M, Maier S, Esposito I, Kalideris E, Michalski CW, Kleeff J, Rauser S, Schmid RM, Küster B, Walch A, Siveke JT. MALDI imaging mass spectrometry for in situ proteomic analysis of preneoplastic lesions in pancreatic cancer. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39424. [PMID: 22761793 PMCID: PMC3383687 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of new biomarkers for preneoplastic pancreatic lesions (PanINs, IPMNs) and early pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is crucial due to the diseases high mortality rate upon late detection. To address this task we used the novel technique of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) on genetically engineered mouse models (GEM) of pancreatic cancer. Various GEM were analyzed with MALDI IMS to investigate the peptide/protein-expression pattern of precursor lesions in comparison to normal pancreas and PDAC with cellular resolution. Statistical analysis revealed several discriminative m/z-species between normal and diseased tissue. Intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) could be distinguished from normal pancreatic tissue and PDAC by 26 significant m/z-species. Among these m/z-species, we identified Albumin and Thymosin-beta 4 by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which were further validated by immunohistochemistry, western blot, quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA in both murine and human tissue. Thymosin-beta 4 was found significantly increased in sera of mice with PanIN lesions. Upregulated PanIN expression of Albumin was accompanied by increased expression of liver-restricted genes suggesting a hepatic transdifferentiation program of preneoplastic cells. In conclusion we show that GEM of endogenous PDAC are a suitable model system for MALDI-IMS and subsequent LC-MS/MS analysis, allowing in situ analysis of small precursor lesions and identification of differentially expressed peptides and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara M. Grüner
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hannes Hahne
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Center of Life and Food Sciences, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Pawel K. Mazur
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Maier
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Center of Life and Food Sciences, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Center Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Irene Esposito
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Center Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Evdokia Kalideris
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Jörg Kleeff
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra Rauser
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Center Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Roland M. Schmid
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Küster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Center of Life and Food Sciences, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Axel Walch
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Center Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jens T. Siveke
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Spurney C, Yu Q, Nagaraju K. Speckle tracking analysis of the left ventricular anterior wall shows significantly decreased relative radial strain patterns in dystrophin deficient mice after 9 months of age. PLOS CURRENTS 2011; 3:RRN1273. [PMID: 22307449 PMCID: PMC3269805 DOI: 10.1371/currents.rrn1273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited X-linked disorder with an incidence of 1 in 3,500 male births. Early treatment of DMD cardiomyopathy is under investigation and echocardiographic analysis of strain patterns may provide measures to better quantify early treatment outcomes. Methods: We compared cardiac function in 3, 9 and 12 month old dystrophin deficient mdx mice to wild type (C57BL10/J) using in vivo high frequency echocardiography (Vevo 770, VisualSonics, Inc., Toronto, CA) and 2D speckle tracking [Velocity Vector Imaging (VVI), Siemens Medical Solutions, Inc., Malvern, PA]. Mice were anesthetized with 1-2% inhaled isoflurane and images were obtained using a 30 MHz transducer in modified parasternal long and short axis views obtained at the level of the papillary muscles. Myocardial motion was analyzed using VVI in single-beat reconstructed images. Results: M-mode imaging showed significantly decreased shortening fraction in mdx mice compared to wild type at 12 months of age (SF% 26.6±3 vs. 32.2±2; p=0.002). Mdx mice showed significantly increased cardiac fibrosis at 12 months of age compared to controls (p<0.0001). Speckle tracking analysis of the left anterior mid ventricular wall segment showed significantly decreased relative radial strain in mdx mice at 9 and 12 months (4.5±1.3% vs. 8.4±0.7%; p=0.001). There were no significant differences in circumferential or longitudinal strain. Conclusion: Mdx mice show significantly decreased LV anterior mid wall radial strain with mild cardiomyopathy after 9 months of age compared to wild type. Speckle tracking analysis may provide novel outcome measures for preclinical cardiac drug treatment studies in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Spurney
- Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Integrative Systems Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Research Center for Genetic Medicine, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC; Research Associate, Research Center for Genetic Medicine, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC and Associate Professor of Integrative Systems Biology and Pediatrics, Department of Integrative Systems Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Research Center for Genetic Medicine, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC
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Spurney CF, Sali A, Guerron AD, Iantorno M, Yu Q, Gordish-Dressman H, Rayavarapu S, van der Meulen J, Hoffman EP, Nagaraju K. Losartan decreases cardiac muscle fibrosis and improves cardiac function in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 2011; 16:87-95. [PMID: 21304057 DOI: 10.1177/1074248410381757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies showed that chronic administration of losartan, an angiotensin II type I receptor antagonist, improved skeletal muscle function in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. In this study, C57BL/10ScSn-Dmd(mdx)/J female mice were either untreated or treated with losartan (n = 15) in the drinking water at a dose of 600 mg/L over a 6-month period. Cardiac function was assessed via in vivo high frequency echocardiography and skeletal muscle function was assessed using grip strength testing, Digiscan monitoring, Rotarod timing, and in vitro force testing. Fibrosis was assessed using picrosirius red staining and Image J analysis. Gene expression was evaluated using real-time polymerized chain reaction (RT-PCR). Percentage shortening fraction was significantly decreased in untreated (26.9% ± 3.5%) mice compared to losartan-treated (32.2% ± 4.2%; P < .01) mice. Systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced in losartan-treated mice (56 ± 6 vs 69 ± 7 mm Hg; P < .0005). Percentage cardiac fibrosis was significantly reduced in losartan-treated hearts (P < .05) along with diaphragm (P < .01), extensor digitorum longus (P < .05), and gastrocnemius (P < .05) muscles compared to untreated mdx mice. There were no significant differences in skeletal muscle function between treated and untreated groups. Chronic treatment with losartan decreases cardiac and skeletal muscle fibrosis and improves cardiac systolic function in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice.
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Abstract
Thymosins are a family of highly conserved small peptides originally isolated from calf thymus. One representative member of the family is thymosin-β₄ (Tβ₄), a major G-actin-sequestering peptide present in many tissues. In the last decade, various studies have uncovered several important functions for Tβ₄ related to the regeneration of injured tissues including skin and heart. In particular, Tβ₄ promotes endothelial cell migration via the activation of Akt2 kinase at the leading edge of the cell. In the case of skeletal muscle injury, increased levels of Tβ₄ are produced by muscle fibers and surrounding immune cells. Satellite cell-derived myoblasts and myocytes are chemoattracted by Tβ₄, which facilitates skeletal muscle regeneration. Recently, it was reported that Tβ₄ interacts physically with F₁-F₀ ATP synthase on the plasma membrane to increase the local concentration of ATP, which stimulates the P2X₄ purinergic receptor to elicit a migratory response from endothelial cells. Thus, it is clear that Tβ₄ is an important chemotactic factor involved in stem/progenitor cell-mediated tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Hara
- Stem Cell Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Tokura Y, Nakayama Y, Fukada SI, Nara N, Yamamoto H, Matsuda R, Hara T. Muscle injury-induced thymosin 4 acts as a chemoattractant for myoblasts. J Biochem 2010; 149:43-8. [DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvq115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
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Rayavarapu S, Van der meulen JH, Gordish-Dressman H, Hoffman EP, Nagaraju K, Knoblach SM. Characterization of dysferlin deficient SJL/J mice to assess preclinical drug efficacy: fasudil exacerbates muscle disease phenotype. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12981. [PMID: 20886045 PMCID: PMC2945315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2010] [Accepted: 08/31/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The dysferlin deficient SJL/J mouse strain is commonly used to study dysferlin deficient myopathies. Therefore, we systematically evaluated behavior in relatively young (9-25 weeks) SJL/J mice and compared them to C57BL6 mice to determine which functional end points may be the most effective to use for preclinical studies in the SJL/J strain. SJL/J mice had reduced body weight, lower open field scores, higher creatine kinase levels, and less muscle force than did C57BL6 mice. Power calculations for expected effect sizes indicated that grip strength normalized to body weight and open field activity were the most sensitive indicators of functional status in SJL/J mice. Weight and open field scores of SJL/J mice deteriorated over the course of the study, indicating that progressive myopathy was ongoing even in relatively young (<6 months old) SJL/J mice. To further characterize SJL/J mice within the context of treatment, we assessed the effect of fasudil, a rho-kinase inhibitor, on disease phenotype. Fasudil was evaluated based on previous observations that Rho signaling may be overly activated as part of the inflammatory cascade in SJL/J mice. Fasudil treated SJL/J mice showed increased body weight, but decreased grip strength, horizontal activity, and soleus muscle force, compared to untreated SJL/J controls. Fasudil either improved or had no effect on these outcomes in C57BL6 mice. Fasudil also reduced the number of infiltrating macrophages/monocytes in SJL/J muscle tissue, but had no effect on muscle fiber degeneration/regeneration. These studies provide a basis for standardization of preclinical drug testing trials in the dysferlin deficient SJL/J mice, and identify measures of functional status that are potentially translatable to clinical trial outcomes. In addition, the data provide pharmacological evidence suggesting that activation of rho-kinase, at least in part, may represent a beneficial compensatory response in dysferlin deficient myopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sree Rayavarapu
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Jack H. Van der meulen
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Heather Gordish-Dressman
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Eric P. Hoffman
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- Department of Integrative Systems Biology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Kanneboyina Nagaraju
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- Department of Integrative Systems Biology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- * E-mail: (KN); (SMK)
| | - Susan M. Knoblach
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- Department of Integrative Systems Biology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- * E-mail: (KN); (SMK)
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