1
|
Gandhi S, Sweeney HL, Hart CC, Han R, Perry CGR. Cardiomyopathy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and the Potential for Mitochondrial Therapeutics to Improve Treatment Response. Cells 2024; 13:1168. [PMID: 39056750 PMCID: PMC11274633 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141168] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive neuromuscular disease caused by mutations to the dystrophin gene, resulting in deficiency of dystrophin protein, loss of myofiber integrity in skeletal and cardiac muscle, and eventual cell death and replacement with fibrotic tissue. Pathologic cardiac manifestations occur in nearly every DMD patient, with the development of cardiomyopathy-the leading cause of death-inevitable by adulthood. As early cardiac abnormalities are difficult to detect, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment modalities remain a challenge. There is no cure for DMD; treatment is aimed at delaying disease progression and alleviating symptoms. A comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms is crucial to the development of targeted treatments. While established hypotheses of underlying mechanisms include sarcolemmal weakening, upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and perturbed ion homeostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to be a potential key contributor. Several experimental compounds targeting the skeletal muscle pathology of DMD are in development, but the effects of such agents on cardiac function remain unclear. The synergistic integration of small molecule- and gene-target-based drugs with metabolic-, immune-, or ion balance-enhancing compounds into a combinatorial therapy offers potential for treating dystrophin deficiency-induced cardiomyopathy, making it crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms driving the disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shivam Gandhi
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - H. Lee Sweeney
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (H.L.S.); (C.C.H.)
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Cora C. Hart
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (H.L.S.); (C.C.H.)
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Renzhi Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Christopher G. R. Perry
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Laurent M, Geoffroy M, Pavani G, Guiraud S. CRISPR-Based Gene Therapies: From Preclinical to Clinical Treatments. Cells 2024; 13:800. [PMID: 38786024 PMCID: PMC11119143 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein have emerged as a revolutionary gene editing tool to treat inherited disorders affecting different organ systems, such as blood and muscles. Both hematological and neuromuscular genetic disorders benefit from genome editing approaches but face different challenges in their clinical translation. The ability of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies to modify hematopoietic stem cells ex vivo has greatly accelerated the development of genetic therapies for blood disorders. In the last decade, many clinical trials were initiated and are now delivering encouraging results. The recent FDA approval of Casgevy, the first CRISPR/Cas9-based drug for severe sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, represents a significant milestone in the field and highlights the great potential of this technology. Similar preclinical efforts are currently expanding CRISPR therapies to other hematologic disorders such as primary immunodeficiencies. In the neuromuscular field, the versatility of CRISPR/Cas9 has been instrumental for the generation of new cellular and animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), offering innovative platforms to speed up preclinical development of therapeutic solutions. Several corrective interventions have been proposed to genetically restore dystrophin production using the CRISPR toolbox and have demonstrated promising results in different DMD animal models. Although these advances represent a significant step forward to the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas9 therapies to DMD, there are still many hurdles to overcome, such as in vivo delivery methods associated with high viral vector doses, together with safety and immunological concerns. Collectively, the results obtained in the hematological and neuromuscular fields emphasize the transformative impact of CRISPR/Cas9 for patients affected by these debilitating conditions. As each field suffers from different and specific challenges, the clinical translation of CRISPR therapies may progress differentially depending on the genetic disorder. Ongoing investigations and clinical trials will address risks and limitations of these therapies, including long-term efficacy, potential genotoxicity, and adverse immune reactions. This review provides insights into the diverse applications of CRISPR-based technologies in both preclinical and clinical settings for monogenic blood disorders and muscular dystrophy and compare advances in both fields while highlighting current trends, difficulties, and challenges to overcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marine Laurent
- INTEGRARE, UMR_S951, Genethon, Inserm, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Evry, France
| | | | - Giulia Pavani
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Simon Guiraud
- SQY Therapeutics, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sun C, Serra C, Kalicharan BH, Harding J, Rao M. Challenges and Considerations of Preclinical Development for iPSC-Based Myogenic Cell Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:596. [PMID: 38607035 PMCID: PMC11011706 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a promising avenue in the field of regenerative medicine due to iPSCs' expandability, immune compatibility, and pluripotent potential. An increasing number of preclinical and clinical trials have been carried out, exploring the application of iPSC-based therapies for challenging diseases, such as muscular dystrophies. The unique syncytial nature of skeletal muscle allows stem/progenitor cells to integrate, forming new myonuclei and restoring the expression of genes affected by myopathies. This characteristic makes genome-editing techniques especially attractive in these therapies. With genetic modification and iPSC lineage specification methodologies, immune-compatible healthy iPSC-derived muscle cells can be manufactured to reverse the progression of muscle diseases or facilitate tissue regeneration. Despite this exciting advancement, much of the development of iPSC-based therapies for muscle diseases and tissue regeneration is limited to academic settings, with no successful clinical translation reported. The unknown differentiation process in vivo, potential tumorigenicity, and epigenetic abnormality of transplanted cells are preventing their clinical application. In this review, we give an overview on preclinical development of iPSC-derived myogenic cell transplantation therapies including processes related to iPSC-derived myogenic cells such as differentiation, scaling-up, delivery, and cGMP compliance. And we discuss the potential challenges of each step of clinical translation. Additionally, preclinical model systems for testing myogenic cells intended for clinical applications are described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Congshan Sun
- Vita Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD 21043, USA (M.R.)
| | - Carlo Serra
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | | | - Mahendra Rao
- Vita Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD 21043, USA (M.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Muñoz S, Bertolin J, Jimenez V, Jaén ML, Garcia M, Pujol A, Vilà L, Sacristan V, Barbon E, Ronzitti G, El Andari J, Tulalamba W, Pham QH, Ruberte J, VandenDriessche T, Chuah MK, Grimm D, Mingozzi F, Bosch F. Treatment of infantile-onset Pompe disease in a rat model with muscle-directed AAV gene therapy. Mol Metab 2024; 81:101899. [PMID: 38346589 PMCID: PMC10877955 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pompe disease (PD) is caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid α-glucosidase (GAA), leading to progressive glycogen accumulation and severe myopathy with progressive muscle weakness. In the Infantile-Onset PD (IOPD), death generally occurs <1 year of age. There is no cure for IOPD. Mouse models of PD do not completely reproduce human IOPD severity. Our main objective was to generate the first IOPD rat model to assess an innovative muscle-directed adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapy. METHODS PD rats were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The novel highly myotropic bioengineered capsid AAVMYO3 and an optimized muscle-specific promoter in conjunction with a transcriptional cis-regulatory element were used to achieve robust Gaa expression in the entire muscular system. Several metabolic, molecular, histopathological, and functional parameters were measured. RESULTS PD rats showed early-onset widespread glycogen accumulation, hepato- and cardiomegaly, decreased body and tissue weight, severe impaired muscle function and decreased survival, closely resembling human IOPD. Treatment with AAVMYO3-Gaa vectors resulted in widespread expression of Gaa in muscle throughout the body, normalizing glycogen storage pathology, restoring muscle mass and strength, counteracting cardiomegaly and normalizing survival rate. CONCLUSIONS This gene therapy holds great potential to treat glycogen metabolism alterations in IOPD. Moreover, the AAV-mediated approach may be exploited for other inherited muscle diseases, which also are limited by the inefficient widespread delivery of therapeutic transgenes throughout the muscular system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Muñoz
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Joan Bertolin
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Veronica Jimenez
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Maria Luisa Jaén
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Miquel Garcia
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Anna Pujol
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laia Vilà
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Victor Sacristan
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Elena Barbon
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM UMR951, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002, Evry, France
| | - Giuseppe Ronzitti
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM UMR951, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002, Evry, France
| | - Jihad El Andari
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, BioQuant Center, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Warut Tulalamba
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), B-1090, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, University of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Quang Hong Pham
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), B-1090, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, University of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jesus Ruberte
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Thierry VandenDriessche
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), B-1090, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, University of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marinee K Chuah
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), B-1090, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, University of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, BioQuant Center, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Federico Mingozzi
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM UMR951, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002, Evry, France
| | - Fatima Bosch
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Williams L, Larsen J. Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of non-viral gene editing technology to the brain. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 232:102547. [PMID: 38042249 PMCID: PMC10872436 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102547] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Neurological disorders pose a significant burden on individuals and society, affecting millions worldwide. These disorders, including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, often have limited treatment options and can lead to progressive degeneration and disability. Gene editing technologies, including Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFN), Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALEN), and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-associated Protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9), offer a promising avenue for potential cures by targeting and correcting the underlying genetic mutations responsible for neurologic disorders. However, efficient delivery methods are crucial for the successful application of gene editing technologies in the context of neurological disorders. The central nervous system presents unique challenges to treatment development due to the blood-brain barrier, which restricts the entry of large molecules. While viral vectors are traditionally used for gene delivery, nonviral delivery methods, such as nanoparticle-mediated delivery, offer safer alternatives that can efficiently transport gene editing components. Herein we aim to introduce the three main gene editing nucleases as nonviral treatments for neurologic disorders, the delivery barriers associated with brain targeting, and the current nonviral techniques used for brain-specific delivery. We highlight the challenges and opportunities for future research in this exciting and growing field that could lead to blood-brain barrier bypassing therapeutic gene editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucian Williams
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631, USA
| | - Jessica Larsen
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Harazi A, Yakovlev L, Ilouz N, Selke P, Horstkorte R, Fellig Y, Lahat O, Lifschytz T, Abudi N, Abramovitch R, Argov Z, Mitrani-Rosenbaum S. Induced Muscle and Liver Absence of Gne in Postnatal Mice Does Not Result in Structural or Functional Muscle Impairment. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:905-917. [PMID: 38875046 PMCID: PMC11380236 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-240056] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Background GNE Myopathy is a unique recessive neuromuscular disorder characterized by adult-onset, slowly progressive distal and proximal muscle weakness, caused by mutations in the GNE gene which is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of sialic acid. To date, the precise pathophysiology of the disease is not well understood and no reliable animal model is available. Gne KO is embryonically lethal in mice. Objective To gain insights into GNE function in muscle, we have generated an inducible muscle Gne KO mouse. To minimize the contribution of the liver to the availability of sialic acid to muscle via the serum, we have also induced combined Gne KO in liver and muscle. Methods A mouse carrying loxp sequences flanking Gne exon3 was generated by Crispr/Cas9 and bred with a human skeletal actin (HSA) promoter driven CreERT mouse. Gne muscle knock out was induced by tamoxifen injection of the resulting homozygote GneloxpEx3loxp/HSA Cre mouse. Liver Gne KO was induced by systemic injection of AAV8 vectors carrying the Cre gene driven by the hepatic specific promoter of the thyroxine binding globulin gene. Results Characterization of these mice for a 12 months period showed no significant changes in their general behaviour, motor performance, muscle mass and structure in spite of a dramatic reduction in sialic acid content in both muscle and liver. Conclusions We conclude that post weaning lack of Gne and sialic acid in muscle and liver have no pathologic effect in adult mice. These findings could reflect a strong interspecies versatility, but also raise questions about the loss of function hypothesis in Gne Myopathy. If these findings apply to humans they have a major impact on therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avi Harazi
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lena Yakovlev
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nili Ilouz
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Philipp Selke
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Rudiger Horstkorte
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Yakov Fellig
- Department of Pathology, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Olga Lahat
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tzuri Lifschytz
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nathalie Abudi
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rinat Abramovitch
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Zohar Argov
- Department of Neurology, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Stella Mitrani-Rosenbaum
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chilton PM, Ghare SS, Charpentier BT, Myers SA, Rao AV, Petrosino JF, Hoffman KL, Greenwell JC, Tyagi N, Behera J, Wang Y, Sloan LJ, Zhang J, Shields CB, Cooper GE, Gobejishvili L, Whittemore SR, McClain CJ, Barve SS. Age-associated temporal decline in butyrate-producing bacteria plays a key pathogenic role in the onset and progression of neuropathology and memory deficits in 3×Tg-AD mice. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2389319. [PMID: 39182227 PMCID: PMC11346541 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2389319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the gut-microbiome-brain axis are increasingly being recognized to be involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. However, the functional consequences of enteric dysbiosis linking gut microbiota and brain pathology in AD progression remain largely undetermined. The present work investigated the causal role of age-associated temporal decline in butyrate-producing bacteria and butyrate in the etiopathogenesis of AD. Longitudinal metagenomics, neuropathological, and memory analyses were performed in the 3×Tg-AD mouse model. Metataxonomic analyses showed a significant temporal decline in the alpha diversity marked by a decrease in butyrate-producing bacterial communities and a concurrent reduction in cecal butyrate production. Inferred metagenomics analysis identified the bacterial acetyl-CoA pathway as the main butyrate synthesis pathway impacted. Concomitantly, there was an age-associated decline in the transcriptionally permissive acetylation of histone 3 at lysines 9 and 14 (H3K9/K14-Ac) in hippocampal neurons. Importantly, these microbiome-gut-brain changes preceded AD-related neuropathology, including oxidative stress, tau hyperphosphorylation, memory deficits, and neuromuscular dysfunction, which manifest by 17-18 months. Initiation of oral administration of tributyrin, a butyrate prodrug, at 6 months of age mitigated the age-related decline in butyrate-producing bacteria, protected the H3K9/K14-Ac status, and attenuated the development of neuropathological and cognitive changes associated with AD pathogenesis. These data causally implicate age-associated decline in butyrate-producing bacteria as a key pathogenic feature of the microbiome-gut-brain axis affecting the onset and progression of AD. Importantly, the regulation of butyrate-producing bacteria and consequent butyrate synthesis could be a significant therapeutic strategy in the prevention and treatment of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula M. Chilton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, 4915 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Smita S. Ghare
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, 4915 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Hepatobiology COBRE, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Benjamin T. Charpentier
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Anatomical Sciences & Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Scott A. Myers
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Anatomical Sciences & Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Aakarsha V. Rao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Joseph F. Petrosino
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kristi L. Hoffman
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John C. Greenwell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Neetu Tyagi
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jyotirmaya Behera
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Yali Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Lucy J. Sloan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - JingWen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Christopher B. Shields
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, 4915 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Gregory E. Cooper
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, 4915 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Leila Gobejishvili
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Hepatobiology COBRE, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Scott R. Whittemore
- Department of Anatomical Sciences & Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Craig J. McClain
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Hepatobiology COBRE, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Robley Rex VA Medical Center, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Shirish S. Barve
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, 4915 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Hepatobiology COBRE, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Le Guiner C, Xiao X, Larcher T, Lafoux A, Huchet C, Toumaniantz G, Adjali O, Anegon I, Remy S, Grieger J, Li J, Farrokhi V, Neubert H, Owens J, McIntyre M, Moullier P, Samulski RJ. Evaluation of an AAV9-mini-dystrophin gene therapy candidate in a rat model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:30-47. [PMID: 37746247 PMCID: PMC10512999 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in the dystrophin gene and is characterized by muscle wasting and early mortality. Adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy is being investigated as a treatment for DMD. In the nonclinical study documented here, we determined the effective dose of fordadistrogene movaparvovec, a clinical candidate adeno-associated virus serotype 9 vector carrying a human mini-dystrophin transgene, after single intravenous injection in a dystrophin-deficient (DMDmdx) rat model of DMD. Overall, we found that transduction efficiency, number of muscle fibers expressing the human mini-dystrophin polypeptide, improvement of the skeletal and cardiac muscle tissue architecture, correction of muscle strength and fatigability, and improvement of diastolic and systolic cardiac function were directly correlated with the amount of vector administered. The effective dose was then tested in older DMDmdx rats with a more dystrophic phenotype similar to the pathology observed in older patients with DMD. Except for a less complete rescue of muscle function in the oldest cohort, fordadistrogene movaparvovec was also found to be therapeutically effective in older DMDmdx rats, suggesting that this product may be appropriate for evaluation in patients with DMD at all stages of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Le Guiner
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT, UMR 1089, Translational Research for Gene Therapies, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7352, USA
| | | | - Aude Lafoux
- Therassay Platform, Capacités, Nantes Université, 44007 Nantes, France
| | - Corinne Huchet
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT, UMR 1089, Translational Research for Gene Therapies, 44200 Nantes, France
- Therassay Platform, Capacités, Nantes Université, 44007 Nantes, France
| | - Gilles Toumaniantz
- Therassay Platform, Capacités, Nantes Université, 44007 Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, CNRS, L’Institut du Thorax, 44007 Nantes, France
| | - Oumeya Adjali
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT, UMR 1089, Translational Research for Gene Therapies, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Ignacio Anegon
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44093 Nantes, France
| | - Séverine Remy
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44093 Nantes, France
| | - Josh Grieger
- Bamboo Therapeutics, Pfizer, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Juan Li
- Gene Therapy Center, Eshelman School of Pharmacy DPMP, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7352, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Philippe Moullier
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT, UMR 1089, Translational Research for Gene Therapies, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - R. Jude Samulski
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7352, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dubreil L, Damane N, Fleurisson R, Charrier M, Pichon J, Leroux I, Schleder C, Ledevin M, Larcher T, Jamme F, Puentes J, Rouger K. Specific and label-free endogenous signature of dystrophic muscle by Synchrotron deep ultraviolet radiation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10808. [PMID: 37402811 PMCID: PMC10319894 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37762-1] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dystrophic muscle is characterized by necrosis/regeneration cycles, inflammation, and fibro-adipogenic development. Conventional histological stainings provide essential topographical data of this remodeling but may be limited to discriminate closely related pathophysiological contexts. They fail to mention microarchitecture changes linked to the nature and spatial distribution of tissue compartment components. We investigated whether label-free tissue autofluorescence revealed by Synchrotron deep ultraviolet (DUV) radiation could serve as an additional tool for monitoring dystrophic muscle remodeling. Using widefield microscopy with specific emission fluorescence filters and microspectroscopy defined by high spectral resolution, we analyzed samples from healthy dogs and two groups of dystrophic dogs: naïve (severely affected) and MuStem cell-transplanted (clinically stabilized) animals. Multivariate statistical analysis and machine learning approaches demonstrated that autofluorescence emitted at 420-480 nm by the Biceps femoris muscle effectively discriminates between healthy, dystrophic, and transplanted dog samples. Microspectroscopy showed that dystrophic dog muscle displays higher and lower autofluorescence due to collagen cross-linking and NADH respectively than that of healthy and transplanted dogs, defining biomarkers to evaluate the impact of cell transplantation. Our findings demonstrate that DUV radiation is a sensitive, label-free method to assess the histopathological status of dystrophic muscle using small amounts of tissue, with potential applications in regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Noreddine Damane
- Oniris, INRAE, PAnTher, 44300, Nantes, France
- IMT Atlantique, Lab-STICC, UMR CNRS 6285, 29238, Brest, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Frédéric Jamme
- Synchrotron SOLEIL, BP48, L'Orme Des Merisiers, 91120, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France
| | - John Puentes
- IMT Atlantique, Lab-STICC, UMR CNRS 6285, 29238, Brest, France
| | - Karl Rouger
- Oniris, INRAE, PAnTher, 44300, Nantes, France.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Eisen B, Binah O. Modeling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Cardiomyopathy with Patients' Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108657. [PMID: 37240001 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108657] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked progressive muscle degenerative disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, resulting in death by the end of the third decade of life at the latest. A key aspect of the DMD clinical phenotype is dilated cardiomyopathy, affecting virtually all patients by the end of the second decade of life. Furthermore, despite respiratory complications still being the leading cause of death, with advancements in medical care in recent years, cardiac involvement has become an increasing cause of mortality. Over the years, extensive research has been conducted using different DMD animal models, including the mdx mouse. While these models present certain important similarities to human DMD patients, they also have some differences which pose a challenge to researchers. The development of somatic cell reprograming technology has enabled generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) which can be differentiated into different cell types. This technology provides a potentially endless pool of human cells for research. Furthermore, hiPSCs can be generated from patients, thus providing patient-specific cells and enabling research tailored to different mutations. DMD cardiac involvement has been shown in animal models to include changes in gene expression of different proteins, abnormal cellular Ca2+ handling, and other aberrations. To gain a better understanding of the disease mechanisms, it is imperative to validate these findings in human cells. Furthermore, with the recent advancements in gene-editing technology, hiPSCs provide a valuable platform for research and development of new therapies including the possibility of regenerative medicine. In this article, we review the DMD cardiac-related research performed so far using human hiPSCs-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) carrying DMD mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Binyamin Eisen
- Cardiac Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Ofer Binah
- Cardiac Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Onódi Z, Szabó PL, Kucsera D, Pokreisz P, Dostal C, Hilber K, Oudit GY, Podesser BK, Ferdinandy P, Varga ZV, Kiss A. Inflammasome Activity in the Skeletal Muscle and Heart of Rodent Models for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8497. [PMID: 37239853 PMCID: PMC10218525 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by wasting of muscles that leads to difficulty moving and premature death, mainly from heart failure. Glucocorticoids are applied in the management of the disease, supporting the hypothesis that inflammation may be driver as well as target. However, the inflammatory mechanisms during progression of cardiac and skeletal muscle dysfunction are still not well characterized. Our objective was to characterize the inflammasomes in myocardial and skeletal muscle in rodent models of DMD. Gastrocnemius and heart samples were collected from mdx mice and DMDmdx rats (3 and 9-10 months). Inflammasome sensors and effectors were assessed by immunoblotting. Histology was used to assess leukocyte infiltration and fibrosis. In gastrocnemius, a tendency towards elevation of gasdermin D irrespective of the age of the animal was observed. The adaptor protein was elevated in the mdx mouse skeletal muscle and heart. Increased cleavage of the cytokines was observed in the skeletal muscle of the DMDmdx rats. Sensor or cytokine expression was not changed in the tissue samples of the mdx mice. In conclusion, inflammatory responses are distinct between the skeletal muscle and heart in relevant models of DMD. Inflammation tends to decrease over time, supporting the clinical observations that the efficacy of anti-inflammatory therapies might be more prominent in the early stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia Onódi
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.O.)
- HCEMM-SE Cardiometabolic Immunology Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Momentum Cardio-Oncology and Cardioimmunology Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Petra Lujza Szabó
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dániel Kucsera
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.O.)
- HCEMM-SE Cardiometabolic Immunology Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Momentum Cardio-Oncology and Cardioimmunology Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Pokreisz
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christopher Dostal
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Karlheinz Hilber
- Department of Neurophysiology & Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology & Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gavin Y. Oudit
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Bruno K. Podesser
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Péter Ferdinandy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.O.)
- Pharmahungary Group, 6728 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán V. Varga
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.O.)
- HCEMM-SE Cardiometabolic Immunology Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Momentum Cardio-Oncology and Cardioimmunology Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Kiss
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Crawford AH, Hildyard JCW, Wells DJ, Piercy RJ. Identification of quantitative polymerase chain reaction reference genes suitable for normalising gene expression in the brain of normal and dystrophic mice and dogs. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 6:84. [PMID: 37942409 PMCID: PMC10628364 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16707.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In addition to progressive, debilitating muscle degeneration, ~50% of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) have associated cognitive and behavioural disorders secondary to deficiency of dystrophin protein in the brain. The brain expresses a variety of dystrophin isoforms (Dp427, Dp140 and Dp71) whose functions remain to be fully elucidated. Detailed comparative analysis of gene expression in healthy and dystrophin-deficient brain is fundamental to understanding the functions of each isoform, and the consequences of their deficiency, with animal models representing a key tool in this endeavour. Reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) is a widely used method to study gene expression. However, accurate quantitative assessment requires normalisation of expression data using validated reference genes. The aim of this study was to identify a panel of suitable reference genes that can be used to normalise gene expression in the brain of healthy and dystrophic dogs and mice. Methods: Using the DE50-MD dog and mdx mouse models of DMD we performed RT-qPCR from fresh frozen brain tissue and employed the geNorm, BestKeeper and Normfinder algorithms to determine the stability of expression of a panel of candidate reference genes across healthy and dystrophic animals, and across different brain regions. Results: We show that SDHA, UBC and YWHAZ are suitable reference genes for normalising gene expression in healthy and dystrophic canine brain, and GAPDH, RPL13A and CYC1 in healthy and dystrophic murine brain. Notably, there was no overlap in the highest performing reference genes between the two species. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that gene expression normalisation is possible across six regions of the canine brain, and three regions of the murine brain. Our results should facilitate future work to study gene expression in the brains of normal and dystrophic dogs and mice and thus decipher the transcriptional consequences of dystrophin deficiency in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbe H. Crawford
- Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | | | - Dominic J. Wells
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Szabo PL, Marksteiner J, Ebner J, Dostal C, Podesser BK, Sauer J, Kubista H, Todt H, Hackl B, Koenig X, Kiss A, Hilber K. Ivabradine acutely improves cardiac Ca handling and function in a rat model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15664. [PMID: 37032434 PMCID: PMC10083165 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The muscular dystrophies caused by dystrophin deficiency, the so-called dystrophinopathies, are associated with impaired cardiac contractility and arrhythmias, which considerably contribute to disease morbidity and mortality. Impaired Ca handling in ventricular cardiomyocytes has been identified as a causative factor for complications in the dystrophic heart, and restoration of normal Ca handling in myocytes has emerged as a promising new therapeutic strategy. In the present study, we explored the hypothesis that ivabradine, a drug clinically approved for the treatment of heart failure and stable angina pectoris, improves Ca handling in dystrophic cardiomyocytes and thereby enhances contractile performance in the dystrophic heart. Therefore, ventricular cardiomyocytes were isolated from the hearts of adult dystrophin-deficient DMDmdx rats, and the effects of acutely applied ivabradine on intracellular Ca transients were tested. In addition, the drug's acute impact on cardiac function in DMDmdx rats was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography. We found that administration of ivabradine to DMDmdx rats significantly improved cardiac function. Moreover, the amplitude of electrically induced intracellular Ca transients in ventricular cardiomyocytes isolated from DMDmdx rats was increased by the drug. We conclude that ivabradine enhances Ca release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in dystrophic cardiomyocytes and thereby improves contractile performance in the dystrophic heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Lujza Szabo
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Jessica Marksteiner
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Janine Ebner
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christopher Dostal
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Bruno K Podesser
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Jakob Sauer
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Kubista
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hannes Todt
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Hackl
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Xaver Koenig
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Attila Kiss
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Karlheinz Hilber
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Crawford AH, Hornby NL, de la Fuente AG, Piercy RJ. Brain magnetic resonance imaging in the DE50-MD dog model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy reveals regional reductions in cerebral gray matter. BMC Neurosci 2023; 24:21. [PMID: 36932329 PMCID: PMC10024360 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00788-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a X-linked disease characterized by severe and progressive muscle weakness, alongside cognitive impairment and a range of neurobehavioral disorders secondary to brain dystrophin deficiency. Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients have reduced cerebral gray matter and altered white matter ultrastructure (detected by magnetic resonance imaging) compared to age-matched controls. METHODS We studied the DE50-MD canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which is deficient in full length brain dystrophin (Dp427) isoforms and has a neurocognitive phenotype. Eight DE50-MD and 6 age-matched littermate wild type male dogs underwent serial brain magnetic resonance imaging from 14 to 33 months of age. RESULTS Reduced regional gray matter was detected in DE50-MD dogs compared with wildtype, including the piriform lobe, hippocampus and cingulate gyrus. Lateral ventricle volume was larger in DE50-MD dogs. Differences did not progress over time. White matter volume did not differ between DE50-MD and wildtype dogs. There was no difference in brain nor cranial vault volume between DE50-MD and wildtype dogs. CONCLUSION Dystrophin deficiency in the canine brain results in structural changes that likely contribute to the neurocognitive phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbe H. Crawford
- grid.20931.390000 0004 0425 573XComparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Natasha L. Hornby
- grid.20931.390000 0004 0425 573XComparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Alerie G. de la Fuente
- grid.513062.30000 0004 8516 8274Institute of Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences CSIC-UMH, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- grid.4777.30000 0004 0374 7521Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - Richard J. Piercy
- grid.20931.390000 0004 0425 573XComparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dystrophin ( DMD) Missense Variant in Cats with Becker-Type Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043192. [PMID: 36834603 PMCID: PMC9964367 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophy due to dystrophin deficiency in humans is phenotypically divided into a severe Duchenne and milder Becker type. Dystrophin deficiency has also been described in a few animal species, and few DMD gene variants have been identified in animals. Here, we characterize the clinical, histopathological, and molecular genetic aspects of a family of Maine Coon crossbred cats with clinically mild and slowly progressive muscular dystrophy. Two young adult male littermate cats exhibited abnormal gait and muscular hypertrophy with macroglossia. Serum creatine kinase activities were highly increased. Histopathologically, dystrophic skeletal muscle exhibited marked structural changes including atrophic, hypertrophic, and necrotic muscle fibers. Immunohistochemistry showed irregularly reduced expression of dystrophin but the staining of other muscle proteins such as β- and γ-sarcoglycans as well as desmin was also diminished. Whole genome sequencing of one affected cat and genotyping of the littermate found both to be hemizygous mutant at a single DMD missense variant (c.4186C>T). No other protein-changing variants in candidate genes for muscular dystrophy were detected. In addition, one clinically healthy male littermate was hemizygous wildtype, while the queen and one female littermate were clinically healthy, but heterozygous. The predicted amino acid exchange (p.His1396Tyr) resides in a conserved central rod spectrin domain of dystrophin. Various protein modeling programs did not predict major disruption of the dystrophin protein by this substitution, but the altered charge of the region may still affect protein function. This study represents the first genotype-to-phenotype correlation of Becker-type dystrophin deficiency in companion animals.
Collapse
|
16
|
Terrill JR, Huchet C, Le Guiner C, Lafoux A, Caudal D, Tulangekar A, Bryson-Richardson RJ, Sztal TE, Grounds MD, Arthur PG. Muscle Pathology in Dystrophic Rats and Zebrafish Is Unresponsive to Taurine Treatment, Compared to the mdx Mouse Model for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13020232. [PMID: 36837851 PMCID: PMC9963000 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and oxidative stress are strongly implicated in the pathology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and the sulphur-containing amino acid taurine ameliorates both and decreases dystropathology in the mdx mouse model for DMD. We therefore further tested taurine as a therapy using dystrophic DMDmdx rats and dmd zebrafish models for DMD that have a more severe dystropathology. However, taurine treatment had little effect on the indices of dystropathology in both these models. While we and others have previously observed a deficiency in taurine in mdx mice, in the current study we show that the rat and zebrafish models had increased taurine content compared with wild-type, and taurine treatment did not increase muscle taurine levels. We therefore hypothesised that endogenous levels of taurine are a key determinate in potential taurine treatment efficacy. Because of this, we felt it important to measure taurine levels in DMD patient plasma samples and showed that in non-ambulant patients (but not in younger patients) there was a deficiency of taurine. These data suggest that taurine homeostasis varies greatly between species and may be influenced by age and disease progression. The potential for taurine to be an effective therapy may depend on such variables.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R. Terrill
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Corinne Huchet
- TaRGeT Lab, Translational Research for Gene Therapy, INSERM, UMR 1089, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, 440200 Nantes, France
| | - Caroline Le Guiner
- TaRGeT Lab, Translational Research for Gene Therapy, INSERM, UMR 1089, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, 440200 Nantes, France
| | - Aude Lafoux
- Therassay Platform, CAPACITES, Nantes Université, 44007 Nantes, France
| | - Dorian Caudal
- Therassay Platform, CAPACITES, Nantes Université, 44007 Nantes, France
| | - Ankita Tulangekar
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | | | - Tamar E. Sztal
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | - Miranda D. Grounds
- School of Human Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - Peter G. Arthur
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kiriaev L, Baumann CW, Lindsay A. Eccentric contraction-induced strength loss in dystrophin-deficient muscle: Preparations, protocols, and mechanisms. J Gen Physiol 2023; 155:213810. [PMID: 36651896 PMCID: PMC9856740 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202213208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The absence of dystrophin hypersensitizes skeletal muscle of lower and higher vertebrates to eccentric contraction (ECC)-induced strength loss. Loss of strength can be accompanied by transient and reversible alterations to sarcolemmal excitability and disruption, triad dysfunction, and aberrations in calcium kinetics and reactive oxygen species production. The degree of ECC-induced strength loss, however, appears dependent on several extrinsic and intrinsic factors such as vertebrate model, skeletal muscle preparation (in vivo, in situ, or ex vivo), skeletal muscle hierarchy (single fiber versus whole muscle and permeabilized versus intact), strength production, fiber branching, age, and genetic background, among others. Consistent findings across research groups show that dystrophin-deficient fast(er)-twitch muscle is hypersensitive to ECCs relative to wildtype muscle, but because preparations are highly variable and sensitivity to ECCs are used repeatedly to determine efficacy of many preclinical treatments, it is critical to evaluate the impact of skeletal muscle preparations on sensitivity to ECC-induced strength loss in dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle. Here, we review and discuss variations in skeletal muscle preparations to evaluate the factors responsible for variations and discrepancies between research groups. We further highlight that dystrophin-deficiency, or loss of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex in skeletal muscle, is not a prerequisite for accelerated strength loss-induced by ECCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonit Kiriaev
- Muscle Research Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cory W. Baumann
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute (OMNI), Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Angus Lindsay
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia,Correspondence to Angus Lindsay:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nakamura K, Tanaka T, Yamanouchi K. In Vivo Modeling of Skeletal Muscle Diseases Using the CRISPR/Cas9 System in Rats. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2640:277-285. [PMID: 36995602 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3036-5_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a powerful gene editing tool that can be used to modify a target gene in almost all species. It unlocks the possibility of generating knockout or knock-in genes in laboratory animals other than mice. The Dystrophin gene is implicated in human Duchenne muscular dystrophy; however, Dystrophin gene mutant mice do not show severe muscle degenerating phenotypes when compared to humans. On the other hand, Dystrophin gene mutant rats made with the CRISPR/Cas9 system show more severe phenotypes than those seen in mice. The phenotypes seen in dystrophin mutant rats are more representative of the features of human DMD. This implies that rats are better models of human skeletal muscle diseases than mice. In this chapter, we present a detailed protocol for the generation of gene-modified rats by microinjection into embryos using the CRISPR/Cas9 system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katsuyuki Nakamura
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takao Tanaka
- KAC Co., Limited, Bioscience Center, Shiga, Japan
| | - Keitaro Yamanouchi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sato M, Goto M, Yamanouchi K, Sakurai H. A new immunodeficient Duchenne muscular dystrophy rat model to evaluate engraftment after human cell transplantation. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1094359. [PMID: 37101699 PMCID: PMC10123282 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1094359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked fatal muscular disease, affecting one in 3,500 live male births worldwide. Currently, there is no cure for this disease, except for steroid-based treatment to attenuate disease progression. Cell transplantation therapy is a promising therapeutic approach, however, there is a lack of appropriate animal models to conduct large-scale preclinical studies using human cells, including biochemical and functional tests. Here, we established an immunodeficient DMD rat model and performed exhaustive pathological analysis and transplantation efficiency evaluation to assess its suitability to study DMD. Our DMD rat model exhibited histopathological characteristics similar to those observed in human patients with DMD. Human myoblasts demonstrated successful engraftment following transplantation into these rats. Therefore, this immunodeficient DMD rat model would be useful in preclinical studies to develop cellular transplantation therapies for DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masae Sato
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Megumi Goto
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keitaro Yamanouchi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Sakurai
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Hidetoshi Sakurai,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Donen G, Milad N, Bernatchez P. Humanization of the mdx Mouse Phenotype for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Modeling: A Metabolic Perspective. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:1003-1012. [PMID: 37574742 PMCID: PMC10657711 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230126] [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] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe form of muscular dystrophy (MD) that is characterized by early muscle wasting and lethal cardiorespiratory failure. While the mdx mouse is the most common model of DMD, it fails to replicate the severe loss of muscle mass and other complications observed in patients, in part due to the multiple rescue pathways found in mice. This led to several attempts at improving DMD animal models by interfering with these rescue pathways through double transgenic approaches, resulting in more severe phenotypes with mixed relevance to the human pathology. As a growing body of literature depicts DMD as a multi-system metabolic disease, improvements in mdx-based modeling of DMD may be achieved by modulating whole-body metabolism instead of muscle homeostasis. This review provides an overview of the established dual-transgenic approaches that exacerbate the mild mdx phenotype by primarily interfering with muscle homeostasis and highlights how advances in DMD modeling coincide with inducing whole-body metabolic changes. We focus on the DBA2/J strain-based D2.mdx mouse with heightened transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling and the dyslipidemic mdx/apolipoprotein E (mdx/ApoE) knock-out (KO) mouse, and summarize how these novel models emulate the metabolic changes observed in DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pascal Bernatchez
- Correspondence to: Dr. Pascal Bernatchez, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, 2176 Health Sciences mall, room 217, Vancouver BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada. Tel.: +1 604 806 8346 /Ext.66060; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bencze M. Mechanisms of Myofibre Death in Muscular Dystrophies: The Emergence of the Regulated Forms of Necrosis in Myology. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010362. [PMID: 36613804 PMCID: PMC9820579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibre necrosis is a central pathogenic process in muscular dystrophies (MD). As post-lesional regeneration cannot fully compensate for chronic myofibre loss, interstitial tissue accumulates and impairs muscle function. Muscle regeneration has been extensively studied over the last decades, however, the pathway(s) controlling muscle necrosis remains largely unknown. The recent discovery of several regulated cell death (RCD) pathways with necrotic morphology challenged the dogma of necrosis as an uncontrolled process, opening interesting perspectives for many degenerative disorders. In this review, we focus on how cell death affects myofibres in MDs, integrating the latest research in the cell death field, with specific emphasis on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the best-known and most common hereditary MD. The role of regulated forms of necrosis in myology is still in its infancy but there is increasing evidence that necroptosis, a genetically programmed form of necrosis, is involved in muscle degenerating disorders. The existence of apoptosis in myofibre demise will be questioned, while other forms of non-apoptotic RCDs may also have a role in myonecrosis, illustrating the complexity and possibly the heterogeneity of the cell death pathways in muscle degenerating conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilien Bencze
- “Biology of the Neuromuscular System” Team, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), University Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM, U955 IMRB, 94010 Créteil, France;
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, IMRB, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Farrokhi V, Walsh J, Palandra J, Brodfuehrer J, Caiazzo T, Owens J, Binks M, Neelakantan S, Yong F, Dua P, Le Guiner C, Neubert H. Dystrophin and mini-dystrophin quantification by mass spectrometry in skeletal muscle for gene therapy development in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Gene Ther 2022; 29:608-615. [PMID: 34737451 PMCID: PMC9068826 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00300-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal, degenerative muscle disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene, leading to severe reduction or absence of the protein dystrophin. Gene therapy strategies that aim to increase expression of a functional dystrophin protein (mini-dystrophin) are under investigation. The ability to accurately quantify dystrophin/mini-dystrophin is essential in assessing the level of gene transduction. We demonstrated the validation and application of a novel peptide immunoaffinity liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (IA-LC-MS/MS) assay. Data showed that dystrophin expression in Becker muscular dystrophy and DMD tissues, normalized against the mean of non-dystrophic control tissues (n = 20), was 4-84.5% (mean 32%, n = 20) and 0.4-24.1% (mean 5%, n = 20), respectively. In a DMD rat model, biceps femoris tissue from dystrophin-deficient rats treated with AAV9.hCK.Hopti-Dys3978.spA, an adeno-associated virus vector containing a mini-dystrophin transgene, showed a dose-dependent increase in mini-dystrophin expression at 6 months post-dose, exceeding wildtype dystrophin levels at high doses. Validation data showed that inter- and intra-assay precision were ≤20% (≤25% at the lower limit of quantification [LLOQ]) and inter- and intra-run relative error was within ±20% (±25% at LLOQ). IA-LC-MS/MS accurately quantifies dystrophin/mini-dystrophin in human and preclinical species with sufficient sensitivity for immediate application in preclinical/clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Farrokhi
- Biomedicine Design, Worldwide Research & Development, Pfizer Inc, 1 Burtt Road, Andover, MA, 01810, USA
| | - Jason Walsh
- Biomedicine Design, Worldwide Research & Development, Pfizer Inc, 1 Burtt Road, Andover, MA, 01810, USA
| | - Joe Palandra
- Biomedicine Design, Worldwide Research & Development, Pfizer Inc, 1 Burtt Road, Andover, MA, 01810, USA
| | - Joanne Brodfuehrer
- Biomedicine Design, Worldwide Research & Development, Pfizer Inc, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Teresa Caiazzo
- Biomedicine Design, Worldwide Research & Development, Pfizer Inc, 1 Burtt Road, Andover, MA, 01810, USA
| | - Jane Owens
- Rare Disease Research Unit, Pfizer Worldwide Research & Development, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Michael Binks
- Rare Disease Research Unit, Pfizer Worldwide Research & Development, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Srividya Neelakantan
- Clinical Pharmacology, Early Clinical Development, Worldwide Research & Development, Pfizer Inc, 1 Portland St, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Florence Yong
- Biostatistics, Worldwide Research & Development, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Pinky Dua
- Early Clinical Development, Clinical Pharmacology, Pfizer R&D UK Limited, Cambridge, UK
| | - Caroline Le Guiner
- Translational Gene Therapy Laboratory, University of Nantes, INSERM UMR1089, CHU de Nantes, IRS 2 Nantes Biotech, 22 Boulevard Benoni Goulin, 44200, Nantes, France
| | - Hendrik Neubert
- Biomedicine Design, Worldwide Research & Development, Pfizer Inc, 1 Burtt Road, Andover, MA, 01810, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Boulinguiez A, Duhem C, Mayeuf-Louchart A, Pourcet B, Sebti Y, Kondratska K, Montel V, Delhaye S, Thorel Q, Beauchamp J, Hebras A, Gimenez M, Couvelaere M, Zecchin M, Ferri L, Prevarskaya N, Forand A, Gentil C, Ohana J, Piétri-Rouxel F, Bastide B, Staels B, Duez H, Lancel S. NR1D1 controls skeletal muscle calcium homeostasis through myoregulin repression. JCI Insight 2022; 7:153584. [PMID: 35917173 PMCID: PMC9536258 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.153584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) plays an important role in calcium homeostasis. SR calcium mishandling is described in pathological conditions such as myopathies. Here, we investigated whether the nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member (NR1D1, also called REV-ERBα) regulates skeletal muscle SR calcium homeostasis. Our data demonstrate that NR1D1 deficiency in mice impairs SERCA-dependent SR calcium uptake. NR1D1 acts on calcium homeostasis by repressing the SERCA inhibitor myoregulin through direct binding to its promoter. Restoration of myoregulin counteracts the effects of NR1D1 overexpression on SR calcium content. Interestingly, myoblasts from Duchenne myopathy patients display lower NR1D1 expression, whereas pharmacological NR1D1 activation ameliorates SR calcium homeostasis, and improves muscle structure and function in dystrophic mdx/Utr+/- mice. Our findings demonstrate that NR1D1 regulates muscle SR calcium homeostasis, pointing to its therapeutic interest for mitigating myopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Boulinguiez
- U1011-EGID, University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Christian Duhem
- U1011-EGID, University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Alicia Mayeuf-Louchart
- U1011-EGID, University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Benoit Pourcet
- U1011-EGID, University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Yasmine Sebti
- U1011-EGID, University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Kateryna Kondratska
- U1003 - PHYCEL - Physiologie Cellulaire, University Lille, Inserm,, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Valérie Montel
- URePSSS - Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale,, Lille, France
| | - Stéphane Delhaye
- U1011-EGID, University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Quentin Thorel
- U1011-EGID, University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Justine Beauchamp
- U1011-EGID, University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Aurore Hebras
- U1011-EGID, University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Marion Gimenez
- U1011-EGID, University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Marie Couvelaere
- U1011-EGID, University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Mathilde Zecchin
- U1011-EGID, University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Lise Ferri
- U1011-EGID, University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Natalia Prevarskaya
- U1003 - PHYCEL - Physiologie Cellulaire, University Lille, Inserm, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Anne Forand
- INSERM U845, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | | | - Jessica Ohana
- MyoLine, Sorbonne Université-UMRS974-Inserm-Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | | | - Bruno Bastide
- URePSSS - Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale,, Lille, France
| | - Bart Staels
- U1011-EGID, University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Helene Duez
- U1011-EGID, University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Steve Lancel
- U1011-EGID, University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kammoun M, Nadal-Desbarats L, Même S, Lafoux A, Huchet C, Meyer-Dilhet G, Courchet J, Montigny F, Szeremeta F, Même W, Veksler V, Piquereau J, Pouletaut P, Subramaniam M, Hawse JR, Constans JM, Bensamoun SF. Deciphering the Role of Klf10 in the Cerebellum. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022; 15:140-156. [PMID: 36507464 PMCID: PMC9733405 DOI: 10.4236/jbise.2022.155014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated a new role for Klf10, a Krüppel-like transcription factor, in skeletal muscle, specifically relating to mitochondrial function. Thus, it was of interest to analyze additional tissues that are highly reliant on optimal mitochondrial function such as the cerebellum and to decipher the role of Klf10 in the functional and structural properties of this brain region. In vivo (magnetic resonance imaging and localized spectroscopy, behavior analysis) and in vitro (histology, spectroscopy analysis, enzymatic activity) techniques were applied to comprehensively assess the cerebellum of wild type (WT) and Klf10 knockout (KO) mice. Histology analysis and assessment of locomotion revealed no significant difference in Klf10 KO mice. Diffusion and texture results obtained using MRI revealed structural changes in KO mice characterized as defects in the organization of axons. These modifications may be explained by differences in the levels of specific metabolites (myo-inositol, lactate) within the KO cerebellum. Loss of Klf10 expression also led to changes in mitochondrial activity as reflected by a significant increase in the activity of citrate synthase, complexes I and IV. In summary, this study has provided evidence that Klf10 plays an important role in energy production and mitochondrial function in the cerebellum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malek Kammoun
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering CNRS UMR 7338, Sorbonne University—University of Technology of Compiègne, Compiègne, France
| | | | - Sandra Même
- Center for Molecular Biophysics, CNRS UPR4301, Orléans, France
| | - Aude Lafoux
- Therassay Platform, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | | | - Julien Courchet
- CNRS UMR-5310 and INSERM U-1217, NeuroMyoGène Institute, Villeurbanne, France
| | | | | | - William Même
- Center for Molecular Biophysics, CNRS UPR4301, Orléans, France
| | - Vladimir Veksler
- INSERM UMR-S 1180, University of Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Jérôme Piquereau
- INSERM UMR-S 1180, University of Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Philippe Pouletaut
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering CNRS UMR 7338, Sorbonne University—University of Technology of Compiègne, Compiègne, France
| | | | - John R. Hawse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA
| | | | - Sabine F. Bensamoun
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering CNRS UMR 7338, Sorbonne University—University of Technology of Compiègne, Compiègne, France
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Taglietti V, Kefi K, Bronisz-Budzyńska I, Mirciloglu B, Rodrigues M, Cardone N, Coulpier F, Periou B, Gentil C, Goddard M, Authier FJ, Pietri-Rouxel F, Malfatti E, Lafuste P, Tiret L, Relaix F. Duchenne muscular dystrophy trajectory in R-DMDdel52 preclinical rat model identifies COMP as biomarker of fibrosis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:60. [PMID: 35468843 PMCID: PMC9036715 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01355-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscle-wasting disorder caused by mutations in the Dystrophin gene and for which there is currently no cure. To bridge the gap between preclinical and therapeutic evaluation studies, we have generated a rat model for DMD that carries an exon 52 deletion (R-DMDdel52) causing a complete lack of dystrophin protein. Here we show that R-DMDdel52 animals recapitulated human DMD pathophysiological trajectory more faithfully than the mdx mouse model. We report that R-DMDdel52 rats displayed progressive and severe skeletal muscle loss associated with fibrotic deposition, fat infiltration and fibre type switch. Early fibrosis was also apparent in the cardiac muscle. These histological modifications led to severe muscle, respiratory and cardiac functional impairments leading to premature death around 1 year. Moreover, DMD muscle exhibited systemic inflammation with a mixed M1/M2 phenotype. A comparative single cell RNAseq analysis of the diaphragm muscle was performed, revealing cellular populations alteration and molecular modifications in all muscle cell types. We show that DMD fibroadipogenic progenitors produced elevated levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, a glycoprotein responsible for modulating homeostasis of extracellular matrix, and whose increased concentration correlated with muscle fibrosis both in R-DMDdel52 rats and human patients. Fibrosis is a component of tissue remodelling impacting the whole musculature of DMD patients, at the tissue level but most importantly at the functional level. We therefore propose that this specific biomarker can optimize the prognostic monitoring of functional improvement of patients included in clinical trials.
Collapse
|
26
|
Micro-dystrophin gene constructs for repairing heart and muscle function in rats: the smaller is enough? Gene Ther 2022; 29:477-478. [PMID: 35449294 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00337-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
27
|
Crawford AH, Hildyard JCW, Rushing SAM, Wells DJ, Diez-Leon M, Piercy RJ. Validation of DE50-MD dogs as a model for the brain phenotype of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:dmm049291. [PMID: 35019137 PMCID: PMC8906169 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a fatal musculoskeletal disease, is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and cognitive impairment caused by brain dystrophin deficiency. Dog models of DMD represent key translational tools to study dystrophin biology and to develop novel therapeutics. However, characterisation of dystrophin expression and function in the canine brain is lacking. We studied the DE50-MD canine model of DMD that has a missense mutation in the donor splice site of exon 50. Using a battery of cognitive tests, we detected a neurocognitive phenotype in DE50-MD dogs, including reduced attention, problem solving and exploration of novel objects. Through a combination of capillary immunoelectrophoresis, immunolabelling, quantitative PCR and RNAScope in situ hybridisation, we show that regional dystrophin expression in the adult canine brain reflects that of humans, and that the DE50-MD dog lacks full-length dystrophin (Dp427) protein expression but retains expression of the two shorter brain-expressed isoforms, Dp140 and Dp71. Thus, the DE50-MD dog is a translationally relevant pre-clinical model to study the consequences of Dp427 deficiency in the brain and to develop therapeutic strategies for the neurological sequelae of DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbe H. Crawford
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - John C. W. Hildyard
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Sophie A. M. Rushing
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Dominic J. Wells
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Maria Diez-Leon
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Richard J. Piercy
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sato M, Nakamura S, Inada E, Takabayashi S. Recent Advances in the Production of Genome-Edited Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052548. [PMID: 35269691 PMCID: PMC8910656 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The rat is an important animal model for understanding gene function and developing human disease models. Knocking out a gene function in rats was difficult until recently, when a series of genome editing (GE) technologies, including zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and the type II bacterial clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) systems were successfully applied for gene modification (as exemplified by gene-specific knockout and knock-in) in the endogenous target genes of various organisms including rats. Owing to its simple application for gene modification and its ease of use, the CRISPR/Cas9 system is now commonly used worldwide. The most important aspect of this process is the selection of the method used to deliver GE components to rat embryos. In earlier stages, the microinjection (MI) of GE components into the cytoplasm and/or nuclei of a zygote was frequently employed. However, this method is associated with the use of an expensive manipulator system, the skills required to operate it, and the egg transfer (ET) of MI-treated embryos to recipient females for further development. In vitro electroporation (EP) of zygotes is next recognized as a simple and rapid method to introduce GE components to produce GE animals. Furthermore, in vitro transduction of rat embryos with adeno-associated viruses is potentially effective for obtaining GE rats. However, these two approaches also require ET. The use of gene-engineered embryonic stem cells or spermatogonial stem cells appears to be of interest to obtain GE rats; however, the procedure itself is difficult and laborious. Genome-editing via oviductal nucleic acids delivery (GONAD) (or improved GONAD (i-GONAD)) is a novel method allowing for the in situ production of GE zygotes existing within the oviductal lumen. This can be performed by the simple intraoviductal injection of GE components and subsequent in vivo EP toward the injected oviducts and does not require ET. In this review, we describe the development of various approaches for producing GE rats together with an assessment of their technical advantages and limitations, and present new GE-related technologies and current achievements using those rats in relation to human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Sato
- Department of Genome Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (S.T.); Tel.: +81-3-3416-0181 (M.S.); +81-53-435-2001 (S.T.)
| | - Shingo Nakamura
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Saitama 359-8513, Japan;
| | - Emi Inada
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
| | - Shuji Takabayashi
- Laboratory Animal Facilities & Services, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education & Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (S.T.); Tel.: +81-3-3416-0181 (M.S.); +81-53-435-2001 (S.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Evaluation of the dystrophin carboxy-terminal domain for micro-dystrophin gene therapy in cardiac and skeletal muscles in the DMD mdx rat model. Gene Ther 2022; 29:520-535. [PMID: 35105949 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00317-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a muscle wasting disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin. Gene therapy using micro-dystrophin (MD) transgenes and recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors hold great promise. To overcome the limited packaging capacity of rAAV vectors, most MD do not include dystrophin carboxy-terminal (CT) domain. Yet, the CT domain is known to recruit α1- and β1-syntrophins and α-dystrobrevin, a part of the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC), which is a signaling and structural mediator of muscle cells. In this study, we explored the impact of inclusion of the dystrophin CT domain on ΔR4-23/ΔCT MD (MD1), in DMDmdx rats, which allows for relevant evaluations at muscular and cardiac levels. We showed by LC-MS/MS that MD1 expression is sufficient to restore the interactions at a physiological level of most DAPC partners in skeletal and cardiac muscles, and that inclusion of the CT domain increases the recruitment of some DAPC partners at supra-physiological levels. In parallel, we demonstrated that inclusion of the CT domain does not improve MD1 therapeutic efficacy on DMD muscle and cardiac pathologies. Our work highlights new evidences of the therapeutic potential of MD1 and strengthens the relevance of this candidate for gene therapy of DMD.
Collapse
|
30
|
Montnach J, Blömer LA, Lopez L, Filipis L, Meudal H, Lafoux A, Nicolas S, Chu D, Caumes C, Béroud R, Jopling C, Bosmans F, Huchet C, Landon C, Canepari M, De Waard M. In vivo spatiotemporal control of voltage-gated ion channels by using photoactivatable peptidic toxins. Nat Commun 2022; 13:417. [PMID: 35058427 PMCID: PMC8776733 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-27974-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoactivatable drugs targeting ligand-gated ion channels open up new opportunities for light-guided therapeutic interventions. Photoactivable toxins targeting ion channels have the potential to control excitable cell activities with low invasiveness and high spatiotemporal precision. As proof-of-concept, we develop HwTxIV-Nvoc, a UV light-cleavable and photoactivatable peptide that targets voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels and validate its activity in vitro in HEK293 cells, ex vivo in brain slices and in vivo on mice neuromuscular junctions. We find that HwTxIV-Nvoc enables precise spatiotemporal control of neuronal NaV channel function under all conditions tested. By creating multiple photoactivatable toxins, we demonstrate the broad applicability of this toxin-photoactivation technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Montnach
- l'institut du thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV NANTES, F-44007, Nantes, France
- Laboratory of Excellence Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics, F-06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Laila Ananda Blömer
- Laboratory of Excellence Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics, F-06560, Valbonne, France
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR 5588, 38402, St Martin d'Hères, cedex, France
| | - Ludivine Lopez
- l'institut du thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV NANTES, F-44007, Nantes, France
- Laboratory of Excellence Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics, F-06560, Valbonne, France
- Smartox Biotechnology, 6 rue des Platanes, F-38120, Saint-Egrève, France
| | - Luiza Filipis
- Laboratory of Excellence Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics, F-06560, Valbonne, France
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR 5588, 38402, St Martin d'Hères, cedex, France
| | - Hervé Meudal
- Center for Molecular Biophysics, CNRS, rue Charles Sadron, CS 80054, Orléans, 45071, France
| | - Aude Lafoux
- Therassay Platform, IRS2-Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Sébastien Nicolas
- l'institut du thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV NANTES, F-44007, Nantes, France
- Laboratory of Excellence Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics, F-06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Duong Chu
- Queen's University Faculty of Medicine, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Cécile Caumes
- Smartox Biotechnology, 6 rue des Platanes, F-38120, Saint-Egrève, France
| | - Rémy Béroud
- Smartox Biotechnology, 6 rue des Platanes, F-38120, Saint-Egrève, France
| | - Chris Jopling
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34094, Montpellier, France
| | - Frank Bosmans
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Corinne Huchet
- Therassay Platform, IRS2-Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Céline Landon
- Center for Molecular Biophysics, CNRS, rue Charles Sadron, CS 80054, Orléans, 45071, France
| | - Marco Canepari
- Laboratory of Excellence Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics, F-06560, Valbonne, France
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR 5588, 38402, St Martin d'Hères, cedex, France
| | - Michel De Waard
- l'institut du thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV NANTES, F-44007, Nantes, France.
- Laboratory of Excellence Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics, F-06560, Valbonne, France.
- Smartox Biotechnology, 6 rue des Platanes, F-38120, Saint-Egrève, France.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Dos Santos JF, Lazzarin MC, Baptista VIDA, Quintana HT, Ribeiro DA, de Oliveira F. Articular cartilage degeneration and bone adaptation due to lack of dystrophin in mice. J Bone Miner Metab 2022; 40:29-39. [PMID: 34549313 DOI: 10.1007/s00774-021-01270-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by the absence of dystrophin. This study aimed to investigate femoral morphological characteristics of lack of dystrophin in MDX mice, considering that this model, different from DMD patient, is not influenced by corticosteroids administration and limited ambulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Proximal femur of male 16-week-old Control and MDX mice were submitted to histological, morphometric (volume density of articular cartilage, compact bone, trabecular bone and bone marrow; articular cartilage layers area; articular cartilage cell area), and immunohistochemistry analysis for RUNX-2, RANK-L, MMP-2, MMP-9, Caspase-3 and KI-67. RESULTS MDX showed loss of linearity of articular cartilage with subchondral bone transition and elevation of this subchondral bone to the articular surface when compared with control. In addition, MDX presented morphological difference in the pantographic network of collagen fibers. Volume density of trabecular bone tissue was higher in the MDX than Control, but volume density of articular cartilage was lower in MDX (p < 0.05). The articular cartilage layers and chondrocytes area were significantly smaller in MDX than Control. These results associated to MMPs and osteogenic markers of proximal femur revealed an adaptation process as a consequence of lack of dystrophin. CONCLUSIONS The morphological changes observed in the bone tissue of the MDX may be not only secondary to muscle weakness or chronic use of corticosteroids but also our results indicate connections between decrease of cartilage thickness, collagen network alteration and consequent subchondral changes that may lead to articular cartilage degeneration and bone adaptation mechanism in MDX mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Fontes Dos Santos
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136 Lab 328, CEP: 11015-020, Santos, SP, 11060-001, Brazil
| | - Mariana Cruz Lazzarin
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136 Lab 328, CEP: 11015-020, Santos, SP, 11060-001, Brazil
| | - Vivianne Izabelle de Araújo Baptista
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136 Lab 328, CEP: 11015-020, Santos, SP, 11060-001, Brazil
| | - Hananiah Tardivo Quintana
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136 Lab 328, CEP: 11015-020, Santos, SP, 11060-001, Brazil
| | - Daniel Araki Ribeiro
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136 Lab 328, CEP: 11015-020, Santos, SP, 11060-001, Brazil
| | - Flavia de Oliveira
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136 Lab 328, CEP: 11015-020, Santos, SP, 11060-001, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pichon J, Ledevin M, Larcher T, Jamme F, Rouger K, Dubreil L. Label-free 3D characterization of cardiac fibrosis in muscular dystrophy using SHG imaging of cleared tissue. Biol Cell 2021; 114:91-103. [PMID: 34964145 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202100056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND INFORMATION Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin. It leads to repeated cycles of muscle fiber necrosis and regeneration and progressive replacement of fibers by fibrotic and adipose tissue, with consequent muscle weakness and premature death. Fibrosis and, in particular, collagen accumulation are important pathological features of dystrophic muscle. A better understanding of the development of fibrosis is crucial to enable better management of DMD. Three-dimensional (3D) characterization of collagen organization by second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy has already proven a highly informative means of studying the fibrotic network in tissue. RESULTS Here, we combine for the first-time tissue clearing with SHG microscopy to characterize in depth the 3D cardiac fibrosis network from DMDmdx rat model. Heart sections (1-mm-thick) from 1-year-old wild-type (WT) and DMDmdx rats were cleared using the CUBIC protocol. SHG microscopy revealed significantly greater collagen deposition in DMDmdx versus WT sections. Analyses revealed a specific pattern of SHG+ segmented objects in DMDmdx cardiac muscle, characterized by a less elongated shape and increased density. Compared with the observed alignment of SHG+ collagen fibers in WT rats, profound fiber disorganization was observed in DMDmdx rats, in which we observed two distinct SHG+ collagen fiber profiles, which may reflect two distinct stages of the fibrotic process in DMD. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE The current work highlights the interest to combine multiphoton SHG microscopy and tissue clearing for 3D fibrosis network characterization in label free organ. It could be a relevant tool to characterize the fibrotic tissue remodeling in relation to the disease progression and/or to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic strategies in preclinical studies in DMD model or others fibrosis-related cardiomyopathies diseases. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Frédéric Jamme
- Synchrotron SOLEIL, l'Orme des Merisiers, Gif-sur-Yvette, F-91192, France
| | - Karl Rouger
- INRAE, Oniris, PAnTher, Nantes, F-44307, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Creisméas A, Gazaille C, Bourdon A, Lallemand MA, François V, Allais M, Ledevin M, Larcher T, Toumaniantz G, Lafoux A, Huchet C, Anegon I, Adjali O, Le Guiner C, Fraysse B. TRPC3, but not TRPC1, as a good therapeutic target for standalone or complementary treatment of DMD. J Transl Med 2021; 19:519. [PMID: 34930315 PMCID: PMC8686557 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03191-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked inherited disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin that leads to a severe and ultimately life limiting muscle-wasting condition. Recombinant adeno-associated vector (rAAV)-based gene therapy is promising, but the size of the full-length dystrophin cDNA exceeds the packaging capacity of a rAAV. Alternative or complementary strategies that could treat DMD patients are thus needed. Intracellular calcium overload due to a sarcolemma permeability to calcium (SPCa) increase is an early and critical step of the DMD pathogenesis. We assessed herein whether TRPC1 and TRPC3 calcium channels may be involved in skeletal muscle SPCa alterations and could represent therapeutic targets to treat DMD. Methods All experiments were conducted in the DMDmdx rat, an animal model that closely reproduces the human DMD disease. We measured the cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c) and SPCa in EDL (Extensor Digitorum Longus) muscle fibers from age-matched WT and DMDmdx rats of 1.5 to 7 months old. TRPC1 and TRPC3 expressions were measured in the EDL muscles at both the mRNA and protein levels, by RT-qPCR, western blot and immunocytofluorescence analysis. Results As expected from the malignant hyperthermia like episodes observed in several DMDmdx rats, calcium homeostasis alterations were confirmed by measurements of early increases in [Ca2+]c and SPCa in muscle fibers. TRPC3 and TRPC1 protein levels were increased in DMDmdx rats. This was observed as soon as 1.5 months of age for TRPC3 but only at 7 months of age for TRPC1. A slight but reliable shift of the TRPC3 apparent molecular weight was observed in DMDmdx rat muscles. Intracellular localization of both channels was not altered. We thus focused our attention on TRPC3. Application of Pyr10, a specific inhibitor of TRPC3, abolished the differences between SPCa values measured in WT and DMDmdx. Finally, we showed that a rAAV-microdystrophin based treatment induced a high microdystrophin expression but only partial prevention of calcium homeostasis alterations, skeletal muscle force and TRPC3 protein increase. Conclusions All together our results show that correcting TRPC3 channel expression and/or activity appear to be a promising approach as a single or as a rAAV-based complementary therapy to treat DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Creisméas
- Nantes Gene Therapy Laboratory, Université de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, IRS 2 Nantes Biotech, CHU de Nantes, 22, Boulevard Bénoni Goullin, 44200, Nantes, France
| | - Claire Gazaille
- Nantes Gene Therapy Laboratory, Université de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, IRS 2 Nantes Biotech, CHU de Nantes, 22, Boulevard Bénoni Goullin, 44200, Nantes, France
| | - Audrey Bourdon
- Nantes Gene Therapy Laboratory, Université de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, IRS 2 Nantes Biotech, CHU de Nantes, 22, Boulevard Bénoni Goullin, 44200, Nantes, France
| | - Marc-Antoine Lallemand
- Nantes Gene Therapy Laboratory, Université de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, IRS 2 Nantes Biotech, CHU de Nantes, 22, Boulevard Bénoni Goullin, 44200, Nantes, France
| | - Virginie François
- Nantes Gene Therapy Laboratory, Université de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, IRS 2 Nantes Biotech, CHU de Nantes, 22, Boulevard Bénoni Goullin, 44200, Nantes, France
| | - Marine Allais
- Nantes Gene Therapy Laboratory, Université de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, IRS 2 Nantes Biotech, CHU de Nantes, 22, Boulevard Bénoni Goullin, 44200, Nantes, France
| | | | | | - Gilles Toumaniantz
- L'Institut du Thorax, Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM UMR 1087, Nantes, France
| | - Aude Lafoux
- Therassay Platform, Capacités, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Corinne Huchet
- Nantes Gene Therapy Laboratory, Université de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, IRS 2 Nantes Biotech, CHU de Nantes, 22, Boulevard Bénoni Goullin, 44200, Nantes, France
| | - Ignacio Anegon
- INSERM, UMR 1064-Center for Research in Transplantation and Immunology, ITUN, CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Faculté de Médecine, Nantes, France
| | - Oumeya Adjali
- Nantes Gene Therapy Laboratory, Université de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, IRS 2 Nantes Biotech, CHU de Nantes, 22, Boulevard Bénoni Goullin, 44200, Nantes, France
| | - Caroline Le Guiner
- Nantes Gene Therapy Laboratory, Université de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, IRS 2 Nantes Biotech, CHU de Nantes, 22, Boulevard Bénoni Goullin, 44200, Nantes, France
| | - Bodvaël Fraysse
- Nantes Gene Therapy Laboratory, Université de Nantes, INSERM UMR 1089, IRS 2 Nantes Biotech, CHU de Nantes, 22, Boulevard Bénoni Goullin, 44200, Nantes, France.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Javaid N, Choi S. CRISPR/Cas System and Factors Affecting Its Precision and Efficiency. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:761709. [PMID: 34901007 PMCID: PMC8652214 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.761709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The diverse applications of genetically modified cells and organisms require more precise and efficient genome-editing tool such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas). The CRISPR/Cas system was originally discovered in bacteria as a part of adaptive-immune system with multiple types. Its engineered versions involve multiple host DNA-repair pathways in order to perform genome editing in host cells. However, it is still challenging to get maximum genome-editing efficiency with fewer or no off-targets. Here, we focused on factors affecting the genome-editing efficiency and precision of CRISPR/Cas system along with its defense-mechanism, orthologues, and applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Javaid
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sangdun Choi
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Ajou University Campus Plaza, Suwon, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Stirm M, Fonteyne LM, Shashikadze B, Lindner M, Chirivi M, Lange A, Kaufhold C, Mayer C, Medugorac I, Kessler B, Kurome M, Zakhartchenko V, Hinrichs A, Kemter E, Krause S, Wanke R, Arnold GJ, Wess G, Nagashima H, de Angelis MH, Flenkenthaler F, Kobelke LA, Bearzi C, Rizzi R, Bähr A, Reese S, Matiasek K, Walter MC, Kupatt C, Ziegler S, Bartenstein P, Fröhlich T, Klymiuk N, Blutke A, Wolf E. A scalable, clinically severe pig model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:273744. [PMID: 34796900 PMCID: PMC8688409 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Large animal models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are crucial for evaluation of diagnostic procedures and treatment strategies. Pigs cloned from male cells lacking DMD exon 52 (DMDΔ52) resemble molecular, clinical and pathological hallmarks of DMD, but die before sexual maturity and cannot be propagated by breeding. Therefore, we generated female DMD+/- carriers. A single founder animal had 11 litters with 29 DMDY/-, 34 DMD+/- as well as 36 male and 29 female wild-type offspring. Breeding with F1 and F2 DMD+/- carriers resulted in additional 114 DMDY/- piglets. With intensive neonatal management, the majority survived for 3-4 months, providing statistically relevant cohorts for experimental studies. Pathological investigations and proteome studies of skeletal muscles and myocardium confirmed the resemblance of human disease mechanisms. Importantly, DMDY/- pigs reveal progressive myocardial fibrosis and increased expression of connexin-43, associated with significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction already at age 3 months. Furthermore, behavioral tests provided evidence for impaired cognitive ability. Our breeding cohort of DMDΔ52 pigs and standardized tissue repositories provide important resources for studying DMD disease mechanisms and for testing novel treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Stirm
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lina Marie Fonteyne
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bachuki Shashikadze
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Magdalena Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maila Chirivi
- Fondazione Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Andreas Lange
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Clara Kaufhold
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Mayer
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ivica Medugorac
- Population Genomics Group, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Kessler
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mayuko Kurome
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Valeri Zakhartchenko
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Arne Hinrichs
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kemter
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Krause
- Friedrich Baur Institute, Department of Neurology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Wanke
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg J Arnold
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Wess
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hiroshi Nagashima
- Meiji University International Institute for Bio-Resource Research, Kawasaki, Japan
| | | | - Florian Flenkenthaler
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Levin Arne Kobelke
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Bearzi
- Fondazione Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, Milan, Italy.,Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research, UOS of Milan, National Research Council (IRGB-CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Rizzi
- Fondazione Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, Milan, Italy.,Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council (ITB-CNR), Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Bähr
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Reese
- Chair for Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maggie C Walter
- Friedrich Baur Institute, Department of Neurology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Kupatt
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Sibylle Ziegler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nikolai Klymiuk
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Blutke
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Fralish Z, Lotz EM, Chavez T, Khodabukus A, Bursac N. Neuromuscular Development and Disease: Learning From in vitro and in vivo Models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:764732. [PMID: 34778273 PMCID: PMC8579029 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.764732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialized cholinergic synaptic interface between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber that translates presynaptic electrical impulses into motor function. NMJ formation and maintenance require tightly regulated signaling and cellular communication among motor neurons, myogenic cells, and Schwann cells. Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) can result in loss of NMJ function and motor input leading to paralysis or even death. Although small animal models have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the NMJ structure and function, the complexities of studying this multi-tissue system in vivo and poor clinical outcomes of candidate therapies developed in small animal models has driven the need for in vitro models of functional human NMJ to complement animal studies. In this review, we discuss prevailing models of NMDs and highlight the current progress and ongoing challenges in developing human iPSC-derived (hiPSC) 3D cell culture models of functional NMJs. We first review in vivo development of motor neurons, skeletal muscle, Schwann cells, and the NMJ alongside current methods for directing the differentiation of relevant cell types from hiPSCs. We further compare the efficacy of modeling NMDs in animals and human cell culture systems in the context of five NMDs: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, and Pompe disease. Finally, we discuss further work necessary for hiPSC-derived NMJ models to function as effective personalized NMD platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Fralish
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Ethan M Lotz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Taylor Chavez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alastair Khodabukus
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nenad Bursac
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Genome editing in large animal models. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3140-3152. [PMID: 34601132 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although genome editing technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we treat human diseases, barriers to successful clinical implementation remain. Increasingly, preclinical large animal models are being used to overcome these barriers. In particular, the immunogenicity and long-term safety of novel gene editing therapeutics must be evaluated rigorously. However, short-lived small animal models, such as mice and rats, cannot address secondary pathologies that may arise years after a gene editing treatment. Likewise, immunodeficient mouse models by definition lack the ability to quantify the host immune response to a novel transgene or gene-edited locus. Large animal models, including dogs, pigs, and non-human primates (NHPs), bear greater resemblance to human anatomy, immunology, and lifespan and can be studied over longer timescales with clinical dosing regimens that are more relevant to humans. These models allow for larger scale and repeated blood and tissue sampling, enabling greater depth of study and focus on rare cellular subsets. Here, we review current progress in the development and evaluation of novel genome editing therapies in large animal models, focusing on applications in human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection, cancer, and genetic diseases including hemoglobinopathies, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), hypercholesterolemia, and inherited retinal diseases.
Collapse
|
38
|
Markati T, De Waele L, Schara-Schmidt U, Servais L. Lessons Learned from Discontinued Clinical Developments in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:735912. [PMID: 34790118 PMCID: PMC8591262 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.735912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked condition caused by a deficiency of functional dystrophin protein. Patients experience progressive muscle weakness, cardiomyopathy and have a decreased life expectancy. Standards of care, including treatment with steroids, and multidisciplinary approaches have extended the life expectancy and improved the quality of life of patients. In the last 30 years, several compounds have been assessed in preclinical and clinical studies for their ability to restore functional dystrophin levels or to modify pathways involved in DMD pathophysiology. However, there is still an unmet need with regards to a disease-modifying treatment for DMD and the attrition rate between early-phase and late-phase clinical development remains high. Currently, there are 40 compounds in clinical development for DMD, including gene therapy and antisense oligonucleotides for exon skipping. Only five of them have received conditional approval in one jurisdiction subject to further proof of efficacy. In this review, we present data of another 16 compounds that failed to complete clinical development, despite positive results in early phases of development in some cases. We examine the reasons for the high attrition rate and we suggest solutions to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Markati
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Liesbeth De Waele
- KU Leuven Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Urlike Schara-Schmidt
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Laurent Servais
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Division of Child Neurology, Reference Center for Neuromuscular Disease, Centre Hospitalier Régional de Références des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège, Liège, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Bertolin J, Sánchez V, Ribera A, Jaén ML, Garcia M, Pujol A, Sánchez X, Muñoz S, Marcó S, Pérez J, Elias G, León X, Roca C, Jimenez V, Otaegui P, Mulero F, Navarro M, Ruberte J, Bosch F. Treatment of skeletal and non-skeletal alterations of Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA by AAV-mediated gene therapy. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5343. [PMID: 34504088 PMCID: PMC8429698 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25697-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA (MPSIVA) or Morquio A disease, a lysosomal storage disorder, is caused by N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase (GALNS) deficiency, resulting in keratan sulfate (KS) and chondroitin-6-sulfate accumulation. Patients develop severe skeletal dysplasia, early cartilage deterioration and life-threatening heart and tracheal complications. There is no cure and enzyme replacement therapy cannot correct skeletal abnormalities. Here, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we generate the first MPSIVA rat model recapitulating all skeletal and non-skeletal alterations experienced by patients. Treatment of MPSIVA rats with adeno-associated viral vector serotype 9 encoding Galns (AAV9-Galns) results in widespread transduction of bones, cartilage and peripheral tissues. This led to long-term (1 year) increase of GALNS activity and whole-body correction of KS levels, thus preventing body size reduction and severe alterations of bones, teeth, joints, trachea and heart. This study demonstrates the potential of AAV9-Galns gene therapy to correct the disabling MPSIVA pathology, providing strong rationale for future clinical translation to MPSIVA patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan Bertolin
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Víctor Sánchez
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Albert Ribera
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Luisa Jaén
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Miquel Garcia
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Pujol
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Xavier Sánchez
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Sergio Muñoz
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Marcó
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jennifer Pérez
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Gemma Elias
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Xavier León
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carles Roca
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Veronica Jimenez
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Otaegui
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Francisca Mulero
- Molecular Imaging Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marc Navarro
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jesús Ruberte
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Fatima Bosch
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Animal models for researching approaches to therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Transgenic Res 2021; 30:709-725. [PMID: 34409525 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-021-00278-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a relatively widespread genetic disease which develops as a result of a mutation in the gene DMD encoding dystrophin. In this review, animal models of DMD are described. These models are used in preclinical studies to elucidate the pathogenesis of the disease or to develop effective treatments; each animal model has its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and zebrafish (sapje) are suitable for large-scale chemical screening of large numbers of small molecules, but their disease phenotype differs from that of mammals. The use of larger animals is important for understanding of the potential efficacy of various treatments for DMD. While mdx mice have their advantages, they exhibit a milder disease phenotype compared to humans or dogs, making it difficult to evaluate the efficacy of new treatment for DMD. The disease in dogs and pigs is more severe and progresses faster than in mice, but it is more difficult to breed and obtain sufficient numbers of specimens in order to achieve statistically significant results. Moreover, working with large animals is also more labor-intensive. Therefore, when choosing the optimal animal model for research, it is worth considering all the goals and objectives.
Collapse
|
41
|
Multiomic Approaches to Uncover the Complexities of Dystrophin-Associated Cardiomyopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168954. [PMID: 34445659 PMCID: PMC8396646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite major progress in treating skeletal muscle disease associated with dystrophinopathies, cardiomyopathy is emerging as a major cause of death in people carrying dystrophin gene mutations that remain without a targeted cure even with new treatment directions and advances in modelling abilities. The reasons for the stunted progress in ameliorating dystrophin-associated cardiomyopathy (DAC) can be explained by the difficulties in detecting pathophysiological mechanisms which can also be efficiently targeted within the heart in the widest patient population. New perspectives are clearly required to effectively address the unanswered questions concerning the identification of authentic and effectual readouts of DAC occurrence and severity. A potential way forward to achieve further therapy breakthroughs lies in combining multiomic analysis with advanced preclinical precision models. This review presents the fundamental discoveries made using relevant models of DAC and how omics approaches have been incorporated to date.
Collapse
|
42
|
Petraitytė G, Preikšaitienė E, Mikštienė V. Genome Editing in Medicine: Tools and Challenges. Acta Med Litu 2021; 28:205-219. [PMID: 35637939 PMCID: PMC9133615 DOI: 10.15388/amed.2021.28.2.8] [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: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies which seek fundamental, thorough knowledge of biological processes, and continuous advancement in natural sciences and biotechnology enable the establishment of molecular strategies and tools to treat disorders caused by genetic mutations. Over the years biological therapy evolved from using stem cells and viral vectors to RNA therapy and testing different genome editing tools as promising gene therapy agents. These genome editing technologies (Zinc finger nucleases, TAL effector nucleases), specifically CRISPR-Cas system, revolutionized the field of genetic engineering and is widely applied to create cell and animal models for various hereditary, infectious human diseases and cancer, to analyze and understand the molecular and cellular base of pathogenesis, to find potential drug/treatment targets, to eliminate pathogenic DNA changes in various medical conditions and to create future “precise medication”. Although different concerning factors, such as precise system delivery to the target cells, efficacy and accuracy of editing process, different approaches of making the DNA changes as well as worrying bioethical issues remain, the importance of genome editing technologies in medicine is undeniable. The future of innovative genome editing approach and strategies to treat diseases is complicated but interesting and exciting at once for all related parties – researchers, clinicians, and patients.
Collapse
|
43
|
Swiderski K, Lynch GS. Murine models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: is there a best model? Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C409-C412. [PMID: 34260298 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00212.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Swiderski
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gordon S Lynch
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Canonico F, Chirivi M, Maiullari F, Milan M, Rizzi R, Arcudi A, Galli M, Pane M, Gowran A, Pompilio G, Mercuri E, Crea F, Bearzi C, D'Amario D. Focus on the road to modelling cardiomyopathy in muscular dystrophy. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:1872-1884. [PMID: 34254111 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the DMD gene, which codes for the protein dystrophin, cause forms of dystrophinopathies such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, an X-linked disease. Cardiomyopathy linked to DMD mutations is becoming the leading cause of death in patients with dystrophinopathy. Since phenotypic pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood, the improvement and development of new disease models, considering their relative advantages and disadvantages, is essential. The application of genetic engineering approaches on induced pluripotent stem cells, such as gene editing technology, enables the development of physiologically relevant human cell models for in vitro dystrophinopathy studies. The combination of induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiovascular cell types and 3 D bioprinting technologies hold great promise for the study of dystrophin-linked cardiomyopathy. This combined approach enables the assessment of responses to physical or chemical stimuli, and the influence of pharmaceutical approaches. The critical objective of in vitro microphysiological systems is to more accurately reproduce the microenvironment observed in vivo. Ground-breaking methodology involving the connection of multiple microphysiological systems comprised of different tissues would represent a move toward precision body-on-chip disease modelling could lead to a critical expansion in what is known about inter-organ responses to disease and novel therapies that have the potential to replace animal models. In this review, we will focus on the generation, development, and application of current cellular, animal and potential for bio-printed models, in the study of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying dystrophin-linked cardiomyopathy in the direction of personalized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Canonico
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Maila Chirivi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy (IBBC-CNR), Monterotondo, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare (INGM) "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Maiullari
- Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare (INGM) "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Marika Milan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy (IBBC-CNR), Monterotondo, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare (INGM) "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Rizzi
- Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare (INGM) "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy.,Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council of Italy (ITB-CNR), Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Arcudi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Galli
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Marika Pane
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Department of Women, Children and Public Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Aoife Gowran
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Pompilio
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Department of Women, Children and Public Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Crea
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Bearzi
- Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare (INGM) "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy.,Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (IRGB-CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico D'Amario
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Florczyk-Soluch U, Polak K, Dulak J. The multifaceted view of heart problem in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5447-5468. [PMID: 34091693 PMCID: PMC8257522 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03862-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dystrophin is a large protein serving as local scaffolding repetitively bridging cytoskeleton and the outside of striated muscle cell. As such dystrophin is a critical brick primarily in dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAGC) and in a larger submembranous unit, costamere. Accordingly, the lack of functional dystrophin laying at the root of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) drives sarcolemma instability. From this point on, the cascade inevitably leading to the death of myocyte begins. In cardiomyocytes, intracellular calcium overload and related mitochondrial-mediated cell death mainly contribute to myocardial dysfunction and dilation while other protein dysregulation and/or mislocalization may affect electrical conduction system and favor arrhythmogenesis. Although clinically DMD manifests as progressive muscle weakness and skeletal muscle symptoms define characteristic of DMD, it is the heart problem the biggest challenge that most often develop in the form of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Current standards of treatment and recent progress in respiratory care, introduced in most settings in the 1990s, have improved quality of life and median life expectancy to 4th decade of patient's age. At the same time, cardiac causes of death related to DMD increases. Despite preventive and palliative cardiac treatments available, the prognoses remain poor. Direct therapeutic targeting of dystrophin deficiency is critical, however, hindered by the large size of the dystrophin cDNA and/or stochastic, often extensive genetic changes in DMD gene. The correlation between cardiac involvement and mutations affecting specific dystrophin isoforms, may provide a mutation-specific cardiac management and novel therapeutic approaches for patients with CM. Nonetheless, the successful cardiac treatment poses a big challenge and may require combined therapy to combat dystrophin deficiency and its after-effects (critical in DMD pathogenesis). This review locates the multifaceted heart problem in the course of DMD, balancing the insights into basic science, translational efforts and clinical manifestation of dystrophic heart disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Florczyk-Soluch
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Polak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Józef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kuraoka M, Aoki Y, Takeda S. Development of outcome measures according to dystrophic phenotypes in canine X-linked muscular dystrophy in Japan. Exp Anim 2021; 70:419-430. [PMID: 34135266 PMCID: PMC8614006 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.21-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked lethal muscle disorder characterized by primary muscle degeneration. Therapeutic strategies for DMD have been extensively explored, and some are in the stage of human clinical trials. Along with the development of new therapies, sensitive outcome measures are needed to monitor the effects of new treatments. Therefore, we investigated outcome measures such as biomarkers and motor function evaluation in a dystrophic model of beagle dogs, canine X-linked muscular dystrophy in Japan (CXMDJ). Osteopontin (OPN), a myogenic inflammatory cytokine, was explored as a potential biomarker in dystrophic dogs over the disease course. The serum OPN levels of CXMDJ dystrophic dogs were elevated, even in the early disease phase, and this could be related to the presence of regenerating muscle fibers; as such, OPN would be a promising biomarker for muscle regeneration. Next, accelerometry, which is an efficient method to quantify performance in validated tasks, was used to evaluate motor function longitudinally in dystrophic dogs. We measured three-axis acceleration and angular velocity with wireless hybrid sensors during gait evaluations. Multiple parameters of acceleration and angular velocity showed notedly lower values in dystrophic dogs compared with wild-type dogs, even at the onset of muscle weakness. These parameters accordingly decreased with exacerbation of clinical manifestations along with the disease course. Multiple parameters also indicated gait abnormalities in dystrophic dogs, such as a waddling gait. These outcome measures could be applicable in clinical trials of patients with DMD or other muscle disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mutsuki Kuraoka
- Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University.,Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
| | - Yoshitsugu Aoki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
| | - Shin'ichi Takeda
- National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Pregabalin-induced neuroprotection and gait improvement in dystrophic MDX mice. Mol Cell Neurosci 2021; 114:103632. [PMID: 34058345 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2021.103632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disease linked to the X chromosome induced by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Neuroprotective drugs, such as pregabalin (PGB), can improve motor function through the modulation of excitatory synapses, together with anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. The present work studied the effects of PGB in the preservation of dystrophic peripheral nerves, allowing motor improvements in MDX mice. Five weeks old MDX and C57BL/10 mice were treated with PGB (30 mg/kg/day, i.p.) or vehicle, for 28 consecutive days. The mice were sacrificed on the 9th week, the sciatic nerves were dissected out and processed for immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR, for evaluating the expression of proteins and gene transcripts related to neuronal activity and Schwann cell function. The lumbar spinal cords were also processed for qRT-PCR to evaluate the expression of neurotrophic factors and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Cranial tibial muscles were dissected out for endplate evaluation with α-bungarotoxin. The recovery of motor function was monitored throughout the treatment, using a spontaneous walking track test (Catwalk system) and a forced locomotion test (Rotarod). The results showed that treatment with PGB reduced the retrograde effects of muscle degeneration/regeneration on the nervous system from the 5th to the 9th week in MDX mice. Thus, PGB induced protein expression in neurons and Schwann cells, protecting myelinated fibers. In turn, better axonal morphology and close-to-normal motor endplates were observed. Indeed, such effects resulted in improved motor coordination of dystrophic animals. We believe that treatment with PGB improved the balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs to spinal motoneurons, increasing motor control. In addition, PGB enhanced peripheral nerve homeostasis, by positively affecting Schwann cells. In general, the present results indicate that pregabalin is effective in protecting the PNS during the development of DMD, improving motor coordination, indicating possible translation to the clinic.
Collapse
|
48
|
Dual SA, Maforo NG, McElhinney DB, Prosper A, Wu HH, Maskatia S, Renella P, Halnon N, Ennis DB. Right Ventricular Function and T1-Mapping in Boys With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J Magn Reson Imaging 2021; 54:1503-1513. [PMID: 34037289 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical management of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) relies on in-depth understanding of cardiac involvement, but right ventricular (RV) structural and functional remodeling remains understudied. PURPOSE To evaluate several analysis methods and identify the most reliable one to measure RV pre- and postcontrast T1 (RV-T1) and to characterize myocardial remodeling in the RV of boys with DMD. STUDY TYPE Prospective. POPULATION Boys with DMD (N = 27) and age-/sex-matched healthy controls (N = 17) from two sites. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3.0 T using balanced steady state free precession, motion-corrected phase sensitive inversion recovery and modified Look-Locker inversion recovery sequences. ASSESSMENT Biventricular mass (Mi), end-diastolic volume (EDVi) and ejection fraction (EF) assessment, tricuspid annular excursion (TAE), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), pre- and postcontrast myocardial T1 maps. The RV-T1 reliability was assessed by three observers in four different RV regions of interest (ROI) using intraclass correlation (ICC). STATISTICAL TESTS The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare RV-T1 differences between DMD boys with negative LGE(-) or positive LGE(+) and healthy controls. Additionally, correlation of precontrast RV-T1 with functional measures was performed. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS A 1-pixel thick RV circumferential ROI proved most reliable (ICC > 0.91) for assessing RV-T1. Precontrast RV-T1 was significantly higher in boys with DMD compared to controls. Both LGE(-) and LGE(+) boys had significantly elevated precontrast RV-T1 compared to controls (1543 [1489-1597] msec and 1550 [1402-1699] msec vs. 1436 [1399-1473] msec, respectively). Compared to healthy controls, boys with DMD had preserved RVEF (51.8 [9.9]% vs. 54.2 [7.2]%, P = 0.31) and significantly reduced RVMi (29.8 [9.7] g vs. 48.0 [15.7] g), RVEDVi (69.8 [29.7] mL/m2 vs. 89.1 [21.9] mL/m2 ), and TAE (22.0 [3.2] cm vs. 26.0 [4.7] cm). Significant correlations were found between precontrast RV-T1 and RVEF (β = -0.48%/msec) and between LV-T1 and LVEF (β = -0.51%/msec). DATA CONCLUSION Precontrast RV-T1 is elevated in boys with DMD compared to healthy controls and is negatively correlated with RVEF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seraina A Dual
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Nyasha G Maforo
- Physics and Biology in Medicine Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Doff B McElhinney
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Ashley Prosper
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Holden H Wu
- Physics and Biology in Medicine Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shiraz Maskatia
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Pierangelo Renella
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Children's hospital Orange County, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Nancy Halnon
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Daniel B Ennis
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
HarishKumar R, Selvaraj CI. Nuciferine from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. attenuates isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2021; 69:1176-1189. [PMID: 33998037 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The study explored the cardioprotective role of the methanolic leaf extract of Nelumbo nucifera and nuciferine against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in Wistar rats. Pretreatment with leaf extract and nuciferine (200 and 20 mg/kg body weight, respectively) against MI induced by isoproterenol (85 mg/kg body weight) significantly decreased heart weight; levels of cardiac markers such as lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase-MB were similar to those in controls. The treatment significantly increased the content of endogenous antioxidants and decreased lipid peroxidation in all treated groups. Treated groups showed a significant reduction in heartbeats per minute as compared with the MI-induced positive control. The MI-induced group showed pathological implications such as tachycardia, left atrial enlargement, and anterolateral ST-elevated MI, which were absent in treated groups. Histology confirmed that the leaf extract and nuciferine prevented structural abnormality and inflammation in heart and liver tissues of treated groups. On in silico analysis, nuciferine showed stronger binding interaction with both β1 and β2 adrenergic receptors than isoproterenol. Hence, the leaf extract of N. nucifera and nuciferine could be used as plant-based cardioprotective agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajendran HarishKumar
- Department of Biotechnology, VIT School of Agricultural Innovations and Advanced Learning (VAIAL), SBST, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Chinnadurai Immanuel Selvaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, VIT School of Agricultural Innovations and Advanced Learning (VAIAL), SBST, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ellwood RA, Piasecki M, Szewczyk NJ. Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model System for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094891. [PMID: 34063069 PMCID: PMC8125261 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans has been used extensively to enhance our understanding of the human neuromuscular disorder Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). With new arising clinically relevant models, technologies and treatments, there is a need to reconcile the literature and collate the key findings associated with this model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Ellwood
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (R.A.E.); (M.P.)
- National Institute for Health Research, Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Mathew Piasecki
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (R.A.E.); (M.P.)
- National Institute for Health Research, Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Nathaniel J. Szewczyk
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (R.A.E.); (M.P.)
- National Institute for Health Research, Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurologic Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|