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De Masi A, Zanou N, Strotjohann K, Lee D, Lima TI, Li X, Jeon J, Place N, Jung HY, Auwerx J. Cyclo His-Pro Attenuates Muscle Degeneration in Murine Myopathy Models. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2305927. [PMID: 38728626 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Among the inherited myopathies, a group of muscular disorders characterized by structural and metabolic impairments in skeletal muscle, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) stands out for its devastating progression. DMD pathogenesis is driven by the progressive degeneration of muscle fibers, resulting in inflammation and fibrosis that ultimately affect the overall muscle biomechanics. At the opposite end of the spectrum of muscle diseases, age-related sarcopenia is a common condition that affects an increasing proportion of the elderly. Although characterized by different pathological mechanisms, DMD and sarcopenia share the development of progressive muscle weakness and tissue inflammation. Here, the therapeutic effects of Cyclo Histidine-Proline (CHP) against DMD and sarcopenia are evaluated. In the mdx mouse model of DMD, it is shown that CHP restored muscle contractility and force production, accompanied by the reduction of fibrosis and inflammation in skeletal muscle. CHP furthermore prevented the development of cardiomyopathy and fibrosis in the diaphragm, the two leading causes of death for DMD patients. CHP also attenuated muscle atrophy and functional deterioration in a mouse model of age-related sarcopenia. These findings from two different models of muscle dysfunction hence warrant further investigation into the effects of CHP on muscle pathologies in animal models and eventually in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia De Masi
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Nadège Zanou
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology-Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Keno Strotjohann
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Dohyun Lee
- R&D Center, NovMetaPharma Co., Ltd, Pohang, 37668, South Korea
| | - Tanes I Lima
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Xiaoxu Li
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Jongsu Jeon
- R&D Center, NovMetaPharma Co., Ltd, Pohang, 37668, South Korea
| | - Nicolas Place
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology-Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Hoe-Yune Jung
- R&D Center, NovMetaPharma Co., Ltd, Pohang, 37668, South Korea
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Johan Auwerx
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
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Schellino R, Boido M, Vrijbloed JW, Fariello RG, Vercelli A. Synergistically Acting on Myostatin and Agrin Pathways Increases Neuromuscular Junction Stability and Endurance in Old Mice. Aging Dis 2024; 15:893-910. [PMID: 37548943 PMCID: PMC10917542 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0713-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is the primary cause of impaired motor performance in the elderly. The current prevailing approach to counteract such condition is increasing the muscle mass through inhibition of the myostatin system: however, this strategy only moderately improves muscular strength, not being able to sustain the innervation of the hypertrophic muscle per se, leading to a progressive worsening of motor performances. Thus, we proposed the administration of ActR-Fc-nLG3, a protein that combines the soluble activin receptor, a strong myostatin inhibitor, with the C-terminal agrin nLG3 domain. This compound has the potential of reinforcing neuro-muscular stability to the hypertrophic muscle. We previously demonstrated an enhancement of motor endurance and ACh receptor aggregation in young mice after ActR-Fc-nLG3 administration. Now we extended these observations by demonstrating that also in aged (2 years-old) mice, long-term administration of ActR-Fc-nLG3 increases in a sustained way both motor endurance and muscle strength, compared with ActR-Fc, a myostatin inhibitor, alone. Histological data demonstrate that the administration of this biological improves neuromuscular stability and fiber innervation maintenance, preventing muscle fiber atrophy and inducing only moderate hypertrophy. Moreover, at the postsynaptic site we observe an increased folding in the soleplate, a likely anatomical substrate for improved neurotransmission efficiency in the NMJ, that may lead to enhanced motor endurance. We suggest that ActR-Fc-nLG3 may become a valid option for treating sarcopenia and possibly other disorders of striatal muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Schellino
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Italy
| | - Marina Boido
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Italy
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Ahmad K, Lee EJ, Ali S, Han KS, Hur SJ, Lim JH, Choi I. Licochalcone A and B enhance muscle proliferation and differentiation by regulating Myostatin. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 125:155350. [PMID: 38237512 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myostatin (MSTN) inhibition has demonstrated promise for the treatment of diseases associated with muscle loss. In a previous study, we discovered that Glycyrrhiza uralensis (G. uralensis) crude water extract (CWE) inhibits MSTN expression while promoting myogenesis. Furthermore, three specific compounds of G. uralensis, namely liquiritigenin, tetrahydroxymethoxychalcone, and Licochalcone B (Lic B), were found to promote myoblast proliferation and differentiation, as well as accelerate the regeneration of injured muscle tissue. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to build on our previous findings on G. uralensis and demonstrate the potential of its two components, Licochalcone A (Lic A) and Lic B, in muscle mass regulation (by inhibiting MSTN), aging and muscle formation. METHODS G. uralensis, Lic A, and Lic B were evaluated thoroughly using in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches. In silico analyses included molecular docking, and dynamics simulations of these compounds with MSTN. Protein-protein docking was carried out for MSTN, as well as for the docked complex of MSTN-Lic with its receptor, activin type IIB receptor (ACVRIIB). Subsequent in vitro studies used C2C12 cell lines and primary mouse muscle stem cells to acess the cell proliferation and differentiation of normal and aged cells, levels of MSTN, Atrogin 1, and MuRF1, and plasma MSTN concentrations, employing techniques such as western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, cell proliferation and differentiation assays, and real-time RT-PCR. Furthermore, in vivo experiments using mouse models focused on measuring muscle fiber diameters. RESULTS CWE of G. uralensis and two of its components, namely Lic A and B, promote myoblast proliferation and differentiation by inhibiting MSTN and reducing Atrogin1 and MuRF1 expressions and MSTN protein concentration in serum. In silico interaction analysis revealed that Lic A (binding energy -6.9 Kcal/mol) and B (binding energy -5.9 Kcal/mol) bind to MSTN and reduce binding between it and ACVRIIB, thereby inhibiting downstream signaling. The experimental analysis, which involved both in vitro and in vivo studies, demonstrated that the levels of MSTN, Atrogin 1, and MuRF1 were decreased when G. uralensis CWE, Lic A, or Lic B were administered into mice or treated in the mouse primary muscle satellite cells (MSCs) and C2C12 myoblasts. The diameters of muscle fibers increased in orally treated mice, and the differentiation and proliferation of C2C12 cells were enhanced. G. uralensis CWE, Lic A, and Lic B also promoted cell proliferation in aged cells, suggesting that they may have anti-muslce aging properties. They also reduced the expression and phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 (MSTN downstream effectors), adding to the evidence that MSTN is inhibited. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that CWE and its active constituents Lic A and Lic B have anti-mauscle aging potential. They also have the potential to be used as natural inhibitors of MSTN and as therapeutic options for disorders associated with muscle atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khurshid Ahmad
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
| | - Eun Ju Lee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
| | - Shahid Ali
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
| | - Ki Soo Han
- Neo Cremar Co., Ltd., Seoul 05702, South Korea
| | - Sun Jin Hur
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, South Korea
| | - Jeong Ho Lim
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
| | - Inho Choi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea.
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Martin Gil C, Raoof R, Versteeg S, Willemen HLDM, Lafeber FPJG, Mastbergen SC, Eijkelkamp N. Myostatin and CXCL11 promote nervous tissue macrophages to maintain osteoarthritis pain. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 116:203-215. [PMID: 38070625 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain is the most debilitating symptom of knee osteoarthritis (OA) that can even persist after total knee replacement. The severity and duration of pain do not correlate well with joint tissue alterations, suggesting other mechanisms may drive pain persistence in OA. Previous work identified that macrophages accumulate in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) containing the somas of sensory neurons innervating the injured knee joint in a mouse OA model and acquire a M1-like phenotype to maintain pain. Here we aimed to unravel the mechanisms that govern DRG macrophage accumulation and programming. The accumulation of F4/80+iNOS+ (M1-like) DRG macrophages was detectable at day 3 after mono-iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA in the mouse. Depletion of macrophages prior to induction of OA resolved pain-like behaviors by day 7 without affecting the initial development of pain-like behaviors. Analysis of DRG transcript identified CXCL11 and myostatin. CXCL11 and myostatin were increased at 3 weeks post OA induction, with CXCL11 expression partially localized in satellite glial cells and myostatin in sensory neurons. Blocking CXCL11 or myostatin prevented the persistence of OA pain, without affecting the initiation of pain. CXCL11 neutralization reduced the number of total and F4/80+iNOS+ DRG macrophages, whilst myostatin inhibition diminished the programming of F4/80+iNOS+ DRG macrophages. Intrathecal injection of recombinant CXCL11 did not induce pain-associated behaviors. In contrast, intrathecal myostatin increased the number of F4/80+iNOS+ DRG macrophages concurrent with the development of mechanical hypersensitivity that was prevented by macrophages depletion or CXCL11 blockade. Finally, myostatin inhibition during established OA, resolved pain and F4/80+iNOS+ macrophage accumulation in the DRG. In conclusion, DRG macrophages maintain OA pain, but are not required for the induction of OA pain. Myostatin is a key ligand in neuro-immune communication that drives the persistence of pain in OA through nervous tissue macrophages and represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of OA pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Martin Gil
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ramin Raoof
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sabine Versteeg
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hanneke L D M Willemen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Floris P J G Lafeber
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Simon C Mastbergen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Niels Eijkelkamp
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Muntoni F, Byrne BJ, McMillan HJ, Ryan MM, Wong BL, Dukart J, Bansal A, Cosson V, Dreghici R, Guridi M, Rabbia M, Staunton H, Tirucherai GS, Yen K, Yuan X, Wagner KR. The Clinical Development of Taldefgrobep Alfa: An Anti-Myostatin Adnectin for the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:183-219. [PMID: 38190001 PMCID: PMC10787703 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00570-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic muscle disorder that manifests during early childhood and is ultimately fatal. Recently approved treatments targeting the genetic cause of DMD are limited to specific subpopulations of patients, highlighting the need for therapies with wider applications. Pharmacologic inhibition of myostatin, an endogenous inhibitor of muscle growth produced almost exclusively in skeletal muscle, has been shown to increase muscle mass in several species, including humans. Taldefgrobep alfa is an anti-myostatin recombinant protein engineered to bind to and block myostatin signaling. Preclinical studies of taldefgrobep alfa demonstrated significant decreases in myostatin and increased lower limb volume in three animal species, including dystrophic mice. METHODS This manuscript reports the cumulative data from three separate clinical trials of taldefgrobep alfa in DMD: a phase 1 study in healthy adult volunteers (NCT02145234), and two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in ambulatory boys with DMD-a phase 1b/2 trial assessing safety (NCT02515669) and a phase 2/3 trial including the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) as the primary endpoint (NCT03039686). RESULTS In healthy adult volunteers, taldefgrobep alfa was generally well tolerated and resulted in a significant increase in thigh muscle volume. Treatment with taldefgrobep alfa was associated with robust dose-dependent suppression of free myostatin. In the phase 1b/2 trial, myostatin suppression was associated with a positive effect on lean body mass, though effects on muscle mass were modest. The phase 2/3 trial found that the effects of treatment did not meet the primary endpoint pre-specified futility analysis threshold (change from baseline of ≥ 1.5 points on the NSAA total score). CONCLUSIONS The futility analysis demonstrated that taldefgrobep alfa did not result in functional change for boys with DMD. The program was subsequently terminated in 2019. Overall, there were no safety concerns, and no patients were withdrawn from treatment as a result of treatment-related adverse events or serious adverse events. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02145234, NCT02515669, NCT03039686.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Hugh J McMillan
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Monique M Ryan
- Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brenda L Wong
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Juergen Dukart
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain and Behaviour (INM-7), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Roxana Dreghici
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
- Solid Biosciences Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Karl Yen
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
- Sanofi, Paris, France
| | | | - Kathryn R Wagner
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland.
- The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Faitg J, D'Amico D, Rinsch C, Singh A. Mitophagy Activation by Urolithin A to Target Muscle Aging. Calcif Tissue Int 2024; 114:53-59. [PMID: 37925671 PMCID: PMC10791945 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-023-01145-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The age-related loss of skeletal muscle function starts from midlife and if left unaddressed can lead to an impaired quality of life. A growing body of evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction is causally involved with muscle aging. Muscles are tissues with high metabolic requirements, and contain rich mitochondria supply to support their continual energy needs. Cellular mitochondrial health is maintained by expansing of the mitochondrial pool though mitochondrial biogenesis, by preserving the natural mitochondrial dynamic process, via fusion and fission, and by ensuring the removal of damaged mitochondria through mitophagy. During aging, mitophagy levels decline and negatively impact skeletal muscle performance. Nutritional and pharmacological approaches have been proposed to manage the decline in muscle function due to impaired mitochondria bioenergetics. The natural postbiotic Urolithin A has been shown to promote mitophagy, mitochondrial function and improved muscle function across species in different experimental models and across multiple clinical studies. In this review, we explore the biology of Urolithin A and the clinical evidence of its impact on promoting healthy skeletal muscles during age-associated muscle decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Faitg
- Amazentis SA, EPFL Innovation Park, 1024, Ecublens, Switzerland.
| | - Davide D'Amico
- Amazentis SA, EPFL Innovation Park, 1024, Ecublens, Switzerland
| | - Chris Rinsch
- Amazentis SA, EPFL Innovation Park, 1024, Ecublens, Switzerland
| | - Anurag Singh
- Amazentis SA, EPFL Innovation Park, 1024, Ecublens, Switzerland.
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Brightwell CR, Latham CM, Keeble AR, Thomas NT, Owen AM, Reeves KA, Long DE, Patrick M, Gonzalez-Velez S, Abed V, Annamalai RT, Jacobs C, Conley CE, Hawk GS, Stone AV, Fry JL, Thompson KL, Johnson DL, Noehren B, Fry CS. GDF8 inhibition enhances musculoskeletal recovery and mitigates posttraumatic osteoarthritis following joint injury. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi9134. [PMID: 38019905 PMCID: PMC10686569 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi9134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders contribute substantially to worldwide disability. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears result in unresolved muscle weakness and posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of musculoskeletal degeneration following ACL injury. We investigated GDF8 levels in ACL-injured human skeletal muscle and serum and tested a humanized monoclonal GDF8 antibody against a placebo in a mouse model of PTOA (surgically induced ACL tear). In patients, muscle GDF8 was predictive of atrophy, weakness, and periarticular bone loss 6 months following surgical ACL reconstruction. In mice, GDF8 antibody administration substantially mitigated muscle atrophy, weakness, and fibrosis. GDF8 antibody treatment rescued the skeletal muscle and articular cartilage transcriptomic response to ACL injury and attenuated PTOA severity and deficits in periarticular bone microarchitecture. Furthermore, GDF8 genetic deletion neutralized musculoskeletal deficits in response to ACL injury. Our findings support an opportunity for rapid targeting of GDF8 to enhance functional musculoskeletal recovery and mitigate the severity of PTOA after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille R. Brightwell
- Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Christine M. Latham
- Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Alexander R. Keeble
- Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Nicholas T. Thomas
- Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Allison M. Owen
- Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kelsey A. Reeves
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Douglas E. Long
- Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Matthew Patrick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | - Varag Abed
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Ramkumar T. Annamalai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Cale Jacobs
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Caitlin E. Conley
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Gregory S. Hawk
- Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Austin V. Stone
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jean L. Fry
- Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Katherine L. Thompson
- Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Darren L. Johnson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Brian Noehren
- Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Christopher S. Fry
- Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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8
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Timpani CA, Kourakis S, Debruin DA, Campelj DG, Pompeani N, Dargahi N, Bautista AP, Bagaric RM, Ritenis EJ, Sahakian L, Debrincat D, Stupka N, Hafner P, Arthur PG, Terrill JR, Apostolopoulos V, de Haan JB, Guven N, Fischer D, Rybalka E. Dimethyl fumarate modulates the dystrophic disease program following short-term treatment. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e165974. [PMID: 37751291 PMCID: PMC10721277 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.165974] [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: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
New medicines are urgently required to treat the fatal neuromuscular disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a potent immunomodulatory small molecule nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 activator with current clinical utility in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and psoriasis that could be effective for DMD and rapidly translatable. Here, we tested 2 weeks of daily 100 mg/kg DMF versus 5 mg/kg standard-care prednisone (PRED) treatment in juvenile mdx mice with early symptomatic DMD. Both drugs modulated seed genes driving the DMD disease program and improved force production in fast-twitch muscle. However, only DMF showed pro-mitochondrial effects, protected contracting muscles from fatigue, improved histopathology, and augmented clinically compatible muscle function tests. DMF may be a more selective modulator of the DMD disease program than PRED, warranting follow-up longitudinal studies to evaluate disease-modifying impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara A. Timpani
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), St Albans, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine – Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephanie Kourakis
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), St Albans, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danielle A. Debruin
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), St Albans, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dean G. Campelj
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nancy Pompeani
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Narges Dargahi
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angelo P. Bautista
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ryan M. Bagaric
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), St Albans, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elya J. Ritenis
- College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren Sahakian
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine – Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, Victoria, Australia
| | - Didier Debrincat
- College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicole Stupka
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), St Albans, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine – Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patricia Hafner
- Division of Neuropaediatrics and Developmental Medicine, University Children’s Hospital of Basel (UKBB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter G. Arthur
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jessica R. Terrill
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), St Albans, Victoria, Australia
| | - Judy B. de Haan
- Basic Science Domain, Oxidative Stress Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nuri Guven
- Department of Medicine – Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dirk Fischer
- Division of Neuropaediatrics and Developmental Medicine, University Children’s Hospital of Basel (UKBB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emma Rybalka
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), St Albans, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine – Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, Victoria, Australia
- Division of Neuropaediatrics and Developmental Medicine, University Children’s Hospital of Basel (UKBB), Basel, Switzerland
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9
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Naarding KJ, Stimpson G, Ward SJ, Goemans N, McDonald C, Mercuri E, Muntoni F. 269th ENMC international workshop: 10 years of clinical trials in Duchenne muscular dystrophy - What have we learned? 9-11 December 2022, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:897-910. [PMID: 37926638 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
There are multiple avenues for therapeutic development in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which are highlighted in the first section of this report for the "10 years of Clinical trials in DMD - What have we learned?" workshop. This report then provides an overview of the presentations made at the workshop grouped into the following core themes: trial outcomes, disease heterogeneity, meaningfulness of outcomes and the utility of real-world data in trials. Finally, we present the consensus that was achieved at the workshop on the learning points from 10 years of clinical trials in DMD, and possible action points from these. This includes further work in expanding the scope and range of trial outcomes and assessing the efficacy of new trial structures for DMD. We also highlight several points which should be addressed during future interactions with regulators, such as clinical meaningfulness and the use of real-world data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin J Naarding
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Duchenne Center Netherlands, the Netherlands
| | - Georgia Stimpson
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, London, UK
| | - Susan J Ward
- Collaborative Trajectory Analysis Project (cTAP), United States
| | - Nathalie Goemans
- University Hospitals Leuven, Dept of Child Neurology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Craig McDonald
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Sacramento, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Centro Clinico Nemo, U.O.C. Neuropsichiatria Infantile Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
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10
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Maeta K, Farea M, Nishio H, Matsuo M. A novel splice variant of the human MSTN gene encodes a myostatin-specific myostatin inhibitor. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023; 14:2289-2300. [PMID: 37582652 PMCID: PMC10570081 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myostatin, encoded by the MSTN gene comprising 3 exons, is a potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. Although a variety of myostatin inhibitors have been invented for increasing muscle mass in muscle wasting diseases, no effective inhibitor is currently available for clinical use. Myostatin isoforms in several animals have been reported to inhibit myostatin, but an isoform has never been identified for the human MSTN gene, a conserved gene among animals. Here, a splice variant of the human MSTN gene was explored. METHODS Transcripts and proteins were analysed by reverse transcription-PCR amplification and western blotting, respectively. Proteins were expressed from expression plasmid. Myostatin signalling was assayed by the SMAD-responsive luciferase activity. Cell proliferation was assayed by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and cell counting. Cell cycle was analysed by the FastFUCCI system. RESULTS Reverse transcription-PCR amplification of the full-length MSTN transcript in CRL-2061 rhabdomyosarcoma cells revealed two bands consisting of a thick expected-size product and a thin additional small-size product. Sequencing of the small-size product showed a 963-bp deletion in the 5' end of exon 3, creating exon 3s, which contained unusual splice acceptor TG dinucleotides. The novel variant was identified in other human cell lines, although it was not identified in skeletal muscle. The 251-amino acid isoform encoded by the novel variant (myostatin-b) was identified in CRL-2061 rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Transfection of a myostatin-b expression plasmid into CRL-2061 and myoblast cells inhibited endogenous myostatin signalling (44%, P < 0.001 and 63%, P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, myostatin-b inhibited myostatin signalling induced by recombinant myostatin (68.8%, P < 0.001). In remarkable contrast, myostatin-b did not inhibit the myostatin signalling induced by recombinant growth differentiation factor 11 (9.2%, P = 0.70), transforming growth factor β (+3.1%, P = 0.83) or activin A (+1.1%, P = 0.96). These results indicate the myostatin-specific inhibitory effect of myostatin-b. Notably, the expression of myostatin-b in myoblasts significantly enhanced cell proliferation higher than the mock-transfected cells by the CCK-8 and direct cell counting assays (60%, P < 0.05 and 39%, P < 0.05, respectively). Myostatin-b increased the percentage of S-phase cells significantly higher than that of the mock-transfected cells (53% vs. 80%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS We cloned a novel human MSTN variant produced by unorthodox splicing. The variant encoded a novel myostatin isoform, myostatin-b, that inhibited myostatin signalling by myostatin-specific manner and enhanced myoblast proliferation by shifting cell cycle. Myostatin-b, which has myostatin-specific inhibitory activity, could be developed as a natural myostatin inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Maeta
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Faculty of RehabilitationKobe Gakuin UniversityKobeJapan
- Research Center for Locomotion BiologyKobe Gakuin UniversityKobeJapan
| | - Manal Farea
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Faculty of RehabilitationKobe Gakuin UniversityKobeJapan
- Research Center for Locomotion BiologyKobe Gakuin UniversityKobeJapan
| | - Hisahide Nishio
- Research Center for Locomotion BiologyKobe Gakuin UniversityKobeJapan
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of RehabilitationKobe Gakuin UniversityKobeJapan
| | - Masafumi Matsuo
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Faculty of RehabilitationKobe Gakuin UniversityKobeJapan
- Research Center for Locomotion BiologyKobe Gakuin UniversityKobeJapan
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11
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Tandon P, Zanetto A, Piano S, Heimbach JK, Dasarathy S. Liver transplantation in the patient with physical frailty. J Hepatol 2023; 78:1105-1117. [PMID: 37208097 PMCID: PMC10825673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Frailty is a decline in functional reserve across multiple physiological systems. A key component of frailty is sarcopenia, which denotes a loss of skeletal muscle mass and impaired contractile function that ultimately result in physical frailty. Physical frailty/sarcopenia are frequent and contribute to adverse clinical outcomes before and after liver transplantation. Frailty indices, including the liver frailty index, focus on contractile dysfunction (physical frailty), while cross-sectional image analysis of muscle area is the most accepted and reproducible measure to define sarcopenia. Thus, physical frailty and sarcopenia are interrelated. The prevalence of physical frailty/sarcopenia is high in liver transplant candidates and these conditions have been shown to adversely impact clinical outcomes including mortality, hospitalisations, infections, and cost of care both before and after transplantation. Data on the prevalence of frailty/sarcopenia and their sex- and age-dependent impact on outcomes are not consistent in patients on the liver transplant waitlist. Physical frailty and sarcopenic obesity are frequent in the obese patient with cirrhosis, and adversely affect outcomes after liver transplantation. Nutritional interventions and physical activity remain the mainstay of management before and after transplantation, despite limited data from large scale trials. In addition to physical frailty, there is recognition that a global evaluation including a multidisciplinary approach to other components of frailty (e.g., cognition, emotional, psychosocial) also need to be addressed in patients on the transplant waitlist. Recent advances in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of sarcopenia and contractile dysfunction have helped identify novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puneeta Tandon
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alberto Zanetto
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, Padova University Hospital, Italy
| | - Salvatore Piano
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine - DIMED, University and Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Julie K Heimbach
- William J von Liebig Transplant Center Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Srinivasan Dasarathy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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12
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Roy A, Koike TE, Joshi AS, Tomaz da Silva M, Mathukumalli K, Wu M, Kumar A. Targeted regulation of TAK1 counteracts dystrophinopathy in a DMD mouse model. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e164768. [PMID: 37071470 PMCID: PMC10322678 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.164768] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies make up a group of genetic neuromuscular disorders that involve severe muscle wasting. TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is an important signaling protein that regulates cell survival, growth, and inflammation. TAK1 has been recently found to promote myofiber growth in the skeletal muscle of adult mice. However, the role of TAK1 in muscle diseases remains poorly understood. In the present study, we have investigated how TAK1 affects the progression of dystrophic phenotype in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). TAK1 is highly activated in the dystrophic muscle of mdx mice during the peak necrotic phase. While targeted inducible inactivation of TAK1 inhibits myofiber injury in young mdx mice, it results in reduced muscle mass and contractile function. TAK1 inactivation also causes loss of muscle mass in adult mdx mice. By contrast, forced activation of TAK1 through overexpression of TAK1 and TAB1 induces myofiber growth without having any deleterious effect on muscle histopathology. Collectively, our results suggest that TAK1 is a positive regulator of skeletal muscle mass and that targeted regulation of TAK1 can suppress myonecrosis and ameliorate disease progression in DMD.
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13
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Moore U, Fernández-Simón E, Schiava M, Cox D, Gordish-Dressman H, James MK, Mayhew A, Wilson I, Guglieri M, Rufibach L, Blamire A, Carlier PG, Mori-Yoshimura M, Day JW, Jones KJ, Bharucha-Goebel DX, Salort-Campana E, Pestronk A, Walter MC, Paradas C, Stojkovic T, Bravver E, Pegoraro E, Mendell JR, Bushby K, Diaz-Manera J, Straub V. Myostatin and follistatin as monitoring and prognostic biomarkers in dysferlinopathy. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:199-207. [PMID: 36689846 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.01.001] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Myostatin is a myokine which acts upon skeletal muscle to inhibit growth and regeneration. Myostatin is endogenously antagonised by follistatin. This study assessed serum myostatin and follistatin concentrations as monitoring or prognostic biomarkers in dysferlinopathy, an autosomal recessively inherited muscular dystrophy. Myostatin was quantified twice with a three-year interval in 76 patients with dysferlinopathy and 38 controls. Follistatin was quantified in 62 of these patients at the same timepoints, and in 31 controls. Correlations with motor function, muscle fat fraction and contractile cross-sectional area were performed. A regression model was used to account for confounding variables. Baseline myostatin, but not follistatin, correlated with baseline function and MRI measures. However, in individual patients, three-year change in myostatin did not correlate with functional or MRI changes. Linear modelling demonstrated that function, serum creatine kinase and C-reactive protein, but not age, were independently related to myostatin concentration. Baseline myostatin concentration predicted loss of ambulation but not rate of change of functional or MRI measures, even when relative inhibition with follistatin was considered. With adjustment for extra-muscular causes of variation, myostatin could form a surrogate measure of functional ability or muscle mass, however myostatin inhibition does not form a promising treatment target in dysferlinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Moore
- The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Esther Fernández-Simón
- The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Marianela Schiava
- The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Dan Cox
- The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Heather Gordish-Dressman
- Center for Translational Science, Division of Biostatistics and Study Methodology, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA; Pediatrics, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Meredith K James
- The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Anna Mayhew
- The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ian Wilson
- Magnetic Resonance Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Michela Guglieri
- The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Andrew Blamire
- Magnetic Resonance Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Madoka Mori-Yoshimura
- Department of Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - John W Day
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kristi J Jones
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead and The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Diana X Bharucha-Goebel
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA; National Institutes of Health (NINDS), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Alan Pestronk
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Maggie C Walter
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Department of Neurology, LudwigMaximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carmen Paradas
- Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital U. Virgen del Rocío/Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Tanya Stojkovic
- Centre de reference des maladies neuromusculaires, Institut de Myologie, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Elena Bravver
- Neuroscience Institute, Carolinas Neuromuscular/ALS-MDA Center, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Elena Pegoraro
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Jerry R Mendell
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kate Bushby
- The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jordi Diaz-Manera
- The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Neuromuscular Disorders Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Volker Straub
- The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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14
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Pokrovsky MV, Korokin MV, Krayushkina AM, Zhunusov NS, Lapin KN, Soldatova MO, Kuzmin EA, Gudyrev OS, Kochkarova IS, Deikin AV. CONVENTIONAL APPROACHES TO THE THERAPY OF HEREDITARY MYOPATHIES. PHARMACY & PHARMACOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.19163/2307-9266-2022-10-5-416-431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the work was to analyze the available therapeutic options for the conventional therapy of hereditary myopathies.Materials and methods. When searching for the material for writing a review article, such abstract databases as PubMed and Google Scholar were used. The search was carried out on the publications during the period from 1980 to September 2022. The following words and their combinations were selected as parameters for the literature selection: “myopathy”, “Duchenne”, “myodystrophy”, “metabolic”, “mitochondrial”, “congenital”, “symptoms”, “replacement”, “recombinant”, “corticosteroids”, “vitamins”, “tirasemtiv”, “therapy”, “treatment”, “evidence”, “clinical trials”, “patients”, “dichloracetate”.Results. Congenital myopathies are a heterogeneous group of pathologies that are caused by atrophy and degeneration of muscle fibers due to mutations in genes. Based on a number of clinical and pathogenetic features, hereditary myopathies are divided into: 1) congenital myopathies; 2) muscular dystrophy; 3) mitochondrial and 4) metabolic myopathies. At the same time, treatment approaches vary significantly depending on the type of myopathy and can be based on 1) substitution of the mutant protein; 2) an increase in its expression; 3) stimulation of the internal compensatory pathways expression; 4) restoration of the compounds balance associated with the mutant protein function (for enzymes); 5) impact on the mitochondrial function (with metabolic and mitochondrial myopathies); 6) reduction of inflammation and fibrosis (with muscular dystrophies); as well as 7) an increase in muscle mass and strength. The current review presents current data on each of the listed approaches, as well as specific pharmacological agents with a description of their action mechanisms.Conclusion. Currently, the following pharmacological groups are used or undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of various myopathies types: inotropic, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic drugs, antimyostatin therapy and the drugs that promote translation through stop codons (applicable for nonsense mutations). In addition, metabolic drugs, metabolic enzyme cofactors, mitochondrial biogenesis stimulators, and antioxidants can be used to treat myopathies. Finally, the recombinant drugs alglucosidase and avalglucosidase have been clinically approved for the replacement therapy of metabolic myopathies (Pompe’s disease).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - K. N. Lapin
- V.A. Negovsky Research Institute of General Reanimatology, Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Resuscitation and Rehabilitology
| | | | - E. A. Kuzmin
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
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15
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Botti V, Menzel O, Staedler D. A state-of-the-art review of tamoxifen as a potential therapeutic for duchenne muscular dystrophy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1030785. [PMID: 36467064 PMCID: PMC9709317 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1030785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: This systematic review analyzes the state-of-art repurposing of the drug tamoxifen (TAM) in the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), including its mechanism of action, toxicological findings, and past and ongoing clinical trials. A parallel aim of this work was to explore whether evidence exists to support further funding of investigation on TAM treatment for DMD patients with a pivotal trial in young patients. Bringing evidence and answering the scientific question of whether this treatment could improve the quality-of-life of DMD patients is needed to establish guidelines and accelerate access to promising therapies for DMD patients. Methods: The search was conducted in January 2022 utilizing PubMed. All MeSH terms for "Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy" and "tamoxifen" were used. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined according to the PICOS framework. Results: The included publications all explored the use of TAM with promising outcomes in muscular strength recovery and a decrease in pathology biomarkers. Two reviews recognize TAM as a potential treatment for DMD patients and state that drug repurposing plays a crucial role in the quest for a drug candidate to treat this rare disease. Conclusion: According to available data, TAM shows promise as a treatment for DMD, both pharmacologically and clinically. However, published data to date are insufficient to definitively conclude the beneficial effect of TAM on quality-of-life and ultimately survival, particularly in the youngest patients diagnosed with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Botti
- RE(ACT) Discovery Institute, C/O BLACKSWAN Foundation, Vuarrens, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Menzel
- RE(ACT) Discovery Institute, C/O BLACKSWAN Foundation, Vuarrens, Switzerland
| | - Davide Staedler
- RE(ACT) Discovery Institute, C/O BLACKSWAN Foundation, Vuarrens, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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16
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Sherlock SP, Palmer J, Wagner KR, Abdel-Hamid HZ, Tian C, Mah JK, Muntoni F, Guglieri M, Butterfield RJ, Charnas L, Marraffino S. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measures of lean body mass as a biomarker for progression in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18762. [PMID: 36335191 PMCID: PMC9637094 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23072-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated whether whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measures of lean body mass can be used as biomarkers for disease progression and treatment effects in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This post hoc analysis utilized data from a randomized, 2-period study of domagrozumab versus placebo in 120 ambulatory boys with DMD. DXA measures of lean body mass were obtained from the whole body (excluding head), arms, legs and appendicular skeleton at baseline and every 16 weeks. Treatment effects on DXA measures for domagrozumab versus placebo were assessed at Week 49. At Week 49, domagrozumab statistically significantly increased lean body mass versus placebo in the appendicular skeleton (p = 0.050) and arms (p < 0.001). The relationship between lean body mass at Week 49 and functional endpoints at Week 97 was evaluated. Changes in lean body mass at Week 49 in all regions except arms were significantly correlated with percent change from baseline in 4-stair climb (4SC) at Week 97. DXA-derived percent lean mass at Week 49 also correlated with 4SC and North Star Ambulatory Assessment at Week 97. These data indicate that whole-body DXA measures can be used as biomarkers for treatment effects and disease progression in patients with DMD, and warrant further investigation.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02310763; registered 8 December 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kathryn R Wagner
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hoda Z Abdel-Hamid
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Cuixia Tian
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jean K Mah
- Alberta Children's Hospital, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michela Guglieri
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
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17
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Georgieva AM, Guo X, Bartkuhn M, Günther S, Künne C, Smolka C, Atzberger A, Gärtner U, Mamchaoui K, Bober E, Zhou Y, Yuan X, Braun T. Inactivation of Sirt6 ameliorates muscular dystrophy in mdx mice by releasing suppression of utrophin expression. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4184. [PMID: 35859073 PMCID: PMC9300598 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31798-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The NAD+-dependent SIRT1-7 family of protein deacetylases plays a vital role in various molecular pathways related to stress response, DNA repair, aging and metabolism. Increased activity of individual sirtuins often exerts beneficial effects in pathophysiological conditions whereas reduced activity is usually associated with disease conditions. Here, we demonstrate that SIRT6 deacetylates H3K56ac in myofibers to suppress expression of utrophin, a dystrophin-related protein stabilizing the sarcolemma in absence of dystrophin. Inactivation of Sirt6 in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice reduced damage of myofibers, ameliorated dystrophic muscle pathology, and improved muscle function, leading to attenuated activation of muscle stem cells (MuSCs). ChIP-seq and locus-specific recruitment of SIRT6 using a CRISPR-dCas9/gRNA approach revealed that SIRT6 is critical for removal of H3K56ac at the Downstream utrophin Enhancer (DUE), which is indispensable for utrophin expression. We conclude that epigenetic manipulation of utrophin expression is a promising approach for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Utrophin is a dystrophin-related protein stabilizing the sarcolemma in absence of dystrophin. Here the authors report that inactivation of the protein deacetylase SIRT6, involved in the deacetylation of the epigenetic mark H3K56ac in muscle cells, increases expression of utrophin and ameliorates dystrophic muscle pathology in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina M Georgieva
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Xinyue Guo
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Marek Bartkuhn
- Biomedical Informatics and Systems Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Günther
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Carsten Künne
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Christian Smolka
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Ann Atzberger
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Ulrich Gärtner
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Eva Bober
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Yonggang Zhou
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Xuejun Yuan
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany.
| | - Thomas Braun
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany.
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18
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Emerging therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:814-829. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00125-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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19
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Omosule CL, Joseph D, Weiler B, Gremminger VL, Silvey S, Jeong Y, Rafique A, Krueger P, Kleiner S, Phillips CL. Combinatorial Inhibition of Myostatin and Activin A Improves Femoral Bone Properties in the G610C Mouse Model of Osteogenesis Imperfecta. J Bone Miner Res 2022; 37:938-953. [PMID: 35195284 PMCID: PMC10041862 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a collagen-related bone disorder characterized by fragile osteopenic bone and muscle weakness. We have previously shown that the soluble activin receptor type IIB decoy (sActRIIB) molecule increases muscle mass and improves bone strength in the mild to moderate G610C mouse model of OI. The sActRIIB molecule binds multiple transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) ligands, including myostatin and activin A. Here, we investigate the musculoskeletal effects of inhibiting activin A alone, myostatin alone, or both myostatin and activin A in wild-type (Wt) and heterozygous G610C (+/G610C) mice using specific monoclonal antibodies. Male and female Wt and +/G610C mice were treated twice weekly with intraperitoneal injections of monoclonal control antibody (Ctrl-Ab, Regn1945), anti-activin A antibody (ActA-Ab, Regn2476), anti-myostatin antibody (Mstn-Ab, Regn647), or both ActA-Ab and Mstn-Ab (Combo, Regn2476, and Regn647) from 5 to 16 weeks of age. Prior to euthanasia, whole body composition, metabolism and muscle force generation assessments were performed. Post euthanasia, hindlimb muscles were evaluated for mass, and femurs were evaluated for changes in microarchitecture and biomechanical strength using micro-computed tomography (μCT) and three-point bend analyses. ActA-Ab treatment minimally impacted the +/G610C musculoskeleton, and was detrimental to bone strength in male +/G610C mice. Mstn-Ab treatment, as previously reported, resulted in substantial increases in hindlimb muscle weights and overall body weights in Wt and male +/G610C mice, but had minimal skeletal impact in +/G610C mice. Conversely, the Combo treatment outperformed ActA-Ab alone or Mstn-Ab alone, consistently increasing hindlimb muscle and body weights regardless of sex or genotype and improving bone microarchitecture and strength in both male and female +/G610C and Wt mice. Combinatorial inhibition of activin A and myostatin more potently increased muscle mass and bone microarchitecture and strength than either antibody alone, recapturing most of the observed benefits of sActRIIB treatment in +/G610C mice. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dominique Joseph
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Brooke Weiler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | - Spencer Silvey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Youngjae Jeong
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | - Charlotte L Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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20
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An Antisense Oligonucleotide against a Splicing Enhancer Sequence within Exon 1 of the MSTN Gene Inhibits Pre-mRNA Maturation to Act as a Novel Myostatin Inhibitor. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095016. [PMID: 35563408 PMCID: PMC9101285 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095016] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are agents that modulate gene function. ASO-mediated out-of-frame exon skipping has been employed to suppress gene function. Myostatin, encoded by the MSTN gene, is a potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. ASOs that induce skipping of out-of-frame exon 2 of the MSTN gene have been studied for their use in increasing muscle mass. However, no ASOs are currently available for clinical use. We hypothesized that ASOs against the splicing enhancer sequence within exon 1 of the MSTN gene would inhibit maturation of pre-mRNA, thereby suppressing gene function. To explore this hypothesis, ASOs against sequences of exon 1 of the MSTN gene were screened for their ability to reduce mature MSTN mRNA levels. One screened ASO, named KMM001, decreased MSTN mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner and reciprocally increased MSTN pre-mRNA levels. Accordingly, KMM001 decreased myostatin protein levels. KMM001 inhibited SMAD-mediated myostatin signaling in rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Remarkably, it did not decrease GDF11 mRNA levels, indicating myostatin-specific inhibition. As expected, KMM001 enhanced the proliferation of human myoblasts. We conclude that KMM001 is a novel myostatin inhibitor that inhibits pre-mRNA maturation. KMM001 has great promise for clinical applications and should be examined for its ability to treat various muscle-wasting conditions.
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21
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Ahmad SS, Ahmad K, Shaikh S, You HJ, Lee EY, Ali S, Lee EJ, Choi I. Molecular Mechanisms and Current Treatment Options for Cancer Cachexia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092107. [PMID: 35565236 PMCID: PMC9105812 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The primary characteristics of cancer cachexia are weakness, weight loss, atrophy, fat reduction, and systemic inflammation. Cachexia is strongly associated with cancers involving the lungs, pancreas, esophagus, stomach, and liver, which account for half of all cancer deaths. TGF-β, MSTN, activin, IGF-1/PI3K/AKT, and JAK-STAT signaling pathways are known to underlie muscle atrophy and cachexia. Anamorelin (appetite stimulation), megestrol acetate, eicosapentaenoic acid, phytocannabinoids, targeting MSTN/activin, and molecules targeting proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, are being tested as treatment options for cancer cachexia. Abstract Cancer cachexia is a condition marked by functional, metabolic, and immunological dysfunctions associated with skeletal muscle (SM) atrophy, adipose tissue loss, fat reduction, systemic inflammation, and anorexia. Generally, the condition is caused by a variety of mediators produced by cancer cells and cells in tumor microenvironments. Myostatin and activin signaling, IGF-1/PI3K/AKT signaling, and JAK-STAT signaling are known to play roles in cachexia, and thus, these pathways are considered potential therapeutic targets. This review discusses the current state of knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying cachexia and the available therapeutic options and was undertaken to increase understanding of the various factors/pathways/mediators involved and to identify potential treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Sayeed Ahmad
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (S.S.A.); (K.A.); (S.S.)
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea;
| | - Khurshid Ahmad
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (S.S.A.); (K.A.); (S.S.)
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea;
| | - Sibhghatulla Shaikh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (S.S.A.); (K.A.); (S.S.)
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea;
| | - Hye Jin You
- Tumor Microenvironment Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang 10408, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (H.J.Y.); (E.-Y.L.)
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, 323, Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyaan 10408, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Eun-Young Lee
- Tumor Microenvironment Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang 10408, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (H.J.Y.); (E.-Y.L.)
| | - Shahid Ali
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea;
| | - Eun Ju Lee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (S.S.A.); (K.A.); (S.S.)
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea;
- Correspondence: (E.J.L.); (I.C.)
| | - Inho Choi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (S.S.A.); (K.A.); (S.S.)
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea;
- Correspondence: (E.J.L.); (I.C.)
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22
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Dirnagl U, Duda GN, Grainger DW, Reinke P, Roubenoff R. Reproducibility, relevance and reliability as barriers to efficient and credible biomedical technology translation. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 182:114118. [PMID: 35066104 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Biomedical research accuracy and relevance for improving healthcare are increasingly identified as costly problems. Basic research data quality, reporting and methodology, and reproducibility are common factors implicated in this challenge. Preclinical models of disease and therapy, largely conducted in rodents, have known deficiencies in replicating most human conditions. Their translation to human results is acknowledged to be poor for decades. Clinical data quality and quantity is also recognized as deficient; gold standard randomized clinical trials are expensive. Few solid conclusions from clinical studies are replicable and many remain unpublished. The translational pathway from fundamental biomedical research through to innovative solutions handed to clinical practitioners is therefore highly inefficient and costly in terms of wasted resources, early claims from fundamental discoveries never witnessed in humans, and few new, improved solutions available clinically for myriad diseases. Improving this biomedical research strategy and resourcing for reliability, translational relevance, reproducibility and clinical impact requires careful analysis and consistent enforcement at both funding and peer review levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Dirnagl
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; QUEST Center for Responsible Research, Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Georg N Duda
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Julius Wolff Institute for Biomechanics and Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - David W Grainger
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA.
| | - Petra Reinke
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ronenn Roubenoff
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Basel, Massachusetts, Switzerland
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23
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Eguchi T, Yamanashi Y. Adeno-associated virus-mediated expression of an inactive CaMKIIβ mutant enhances muscle mass and strength in mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 589:192-196. [PMID: 34922202 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.12.027] [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: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A concurrent reduction in muscle mass and strength is frequently observed in numerous conditions, including neuromuscular disease, ageing, and muscle inactivity due to limb immobilization or prolonged bed rest. Thus, identifying the molecular mechanisms that control skeletal muscle mass and strength is fundamental for developing interventions aimed at counteracting muscle loss (muscle atrophy). It was recently reported that muscle atrophy induced by denervation of motor nerves was associated with increased expression of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein serine/threonine kinase II β (CaMKIIβ) in muscle. In addition, treatment with KN-93 phosphate, which inhibits CaMKII-family kinases, partly suppressed denervation-induced muscle atrophy. Therefore, to test a possible role for CaMKIIβ in muscle mass regulation, we generated and injected recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors encoding wild-type (AAV-WT), inactive (AAV-K43 M), or constitutively active (AAV-T287D) CaMKIIβ into the left hindlimb tibialis anterior muscle of mice at three months of age. Although AAV-WT infection induced expression of exogenous CaMKIIβ in the hindlimb muscle, no significant changes in muscle mass and strength were observed. By contrast, AAV-K43 M or AAV-T287D infection induced exogenous expression of the corresponding mutants and significantly increased or decreased the muscle mass and strength of the infected hind limb, respectively. Together, these findings demonstrate the potential of CaMKIIβ as a novel therapeutic target for enhancing muscle mass and strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Eguchi
- Division of Genetics, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Yuji Yamanashi
- Division of Genetics, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.
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24
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Angelini G, Mura G, Messina G. Therapeutic approaches to preserve the musculature in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: The importance of the secondary therapies. Exp Cell Res 2022; 410:112968. [PMID: 34883113 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are heterogeneous diseases, characterized by primary wasting of skeletal muscle, which in severe cases, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), leads to wheelchair dependency, respiratory failure, and premature death. Research is ongoing to develop efficacious therapies, particularly for DMD. Most of the efforts, currently focusing on correcting or restoring the primary defect of MDs, are based on gene-addition, exon-skipping, stop codon read-through, and genome-editing. Although promising, most of them revealed several practical limitations. Shared knowledge in the field is that, in order to be really successful, any therapeutic approach has to rely on spared functional muscle tissue, restricting the number of patients eligible for clinical trials to the youngest and less compromised individuals. In line with this, many therapeutic strategies aim to preserve muscle tissue and function. This Review outlines the most interesting and recent studies addressing the secondary outcomes of DMD and how to better deliver the therapeutic agents. In the future, the effective treatment of DMD will likely require combinations of therapies addressing both the primary genetic defect and its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Angelini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Giada Mura
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Graziella Messina
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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25
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Emmert ME, Aggarwal P, Shay-Winkler K, Lee SJ, Goh Q, Cornwall R. Sex-specific role of myostatin signaling in neonatal muscle growth, denervation atrophy, and neuromuscular contractures. eLife 2022; 11:81121. [PMID: 36314781 PMCID: PMC9873256 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal brachial plexus injury (NBPI) causes disabling and incurable muscle contractures that result from impaired longitudinal growth of denervated muscles. This deficit in muscle growth is driven by increased proteasome-mediated protein degradation, suggesting a dysregulation of muscle proteostasis. The myostatin (MSTN) pathway, a prominent muscle-specific regulator of proteostasis, is a putative signaling mechanism by which neonatal denervation could impair longitudinal muscle growth, and thus a potential target to prevent NBPI-induced contractures. Through a mouse model of NBPI, our present study revealed that pharmacologic inhibition of MSTN signaling induces hypertrophy, restores longitudinal growth, and prevents contractures in denervated muscles of female but not male mice, despite inducing hypertrophy of normally innervated muscles in both sexes. Additionally, the MSTN-dependent impairment of longitudinal muscle growth after NBPI in female mice is associated with perturbation of 20S proteasome activity, but not through alterations in canonical MSTN signaling pathways. These findings reveal a sex dimorphism in the regulation of neonatal longitudinal muscle growth and contractures, thereby providing insights into contracture pathophysiology, identifying a potential muscle-specific therapeutic target for contracture prevention, and underscoring the importance of sex as a biological variable in the pathophysiology of neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne E Emmert
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Parul Aggarwal
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Kritton Shay-Winkler
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Se-Jin Lee
- The Jackson LaboratoryFarmingtonUnited States,Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of MedicineFarmingtonUnited States
| | - Qingnian Goh
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Roger Cornwall
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States,Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
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26
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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.
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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
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27
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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: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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.
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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
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28
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Gómez-Oca R, Cowling BS, Laporte J. Common Pathogenic Mechanisms in Centronuclear and Myotubular Myopathies and Latest Treatment Advances. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11377. [PMID: 34768808 PMCID: PMC8583656 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Centronuclear myopathies (CNM) are rare congenital disorders characterized by muscle weakness and structural defects including fiber hypotrophy and organelle mispositioning. The main CNM forms are caused by mutations in: the MTM1 gene encoding the phosphoinositide phosphatase myotubularin (myotubular myopathy), the DNM2 gene encoding the mechanoenzyme dynamin 2, the BIN1 gene encoding the membrane curvature sensing amphiphysin 2, and the RYR1 gene encoding the skeletal muscle calcium release channel/ryanodine receptor. MTM1, BIN1, and DNM2 proteins are involved in membrane remodeling and trafficking, while RyR1 directly regulates excitation-contraction coupling (ECC). Several CNM animal models have been generated or identified, which confirm shared pathological anomalies in T-tubule remodeling, ECC, organelle mispositioning, protein homeostasis, neuromuscular junction, and muscle regeneration. Dynamin 2 plays a crucial role in CNM physiopathology and has been validated as a common therapeutic target for three CNM forms. Indeed, the promising results in preclinical models set up the basis for ongoing clinical trials. Another two clinical trials to treat myotubular myopathy by MTM1 gene therapy or tamoxifen repurposing are also ongoing. Here, we review the contribution of the different CNM models to understanding physiopathology and therapy development with a focus on the commonly dysregulated pathways and current therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Gómez-Oca
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 67400 Illkirch, France;
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1258, 67400 Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7104, 67400 Illkirch, France
- Strasbourg University, 67081 Strasbourg, France
- Dynacure, 67400 Illkirch, France;
| | | | - Jocelyn Laporte
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 67400 Illkirch, France;
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1258, 67400 Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7104, 67400 Illkirch, France
- Strasbourg University, 67081 Strasbourg, France
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29
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Shen OYJ, Chen YF, Xu HT, Lee CW. The Efficacy of Naïve versus Modified Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Improving Muscle Function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1097. [PMID: 34572283 PMCID: PMC8467288 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the most common genetic conditions, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal disease caused by a recessive mutation resulting in muscle weakness in both voluntary and involuntary muscles and, eventually, in death because of cardiovascular failure. Currently, there is no pharmacologically curative treatment of DMD, but there is evidence supporting that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a novel solution for treating DMD. This systematic review focused on elucidating the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs on the DMD in vivo model. A key issue of previous studies was the material-choice, naïve MSCs or modified MSCs; modified MSCs are activated by culture methods or genetic modification. In summary, MSCs seem to improve pulmonary and cardiac functions and thereby improve survival regardless of them being naïve or modified. The improved function of distal skeletal muscles was observed only with primed MSCs treatment but not naïve MSCs. While MSCs can provide significant benefits to DMD mouse models, there is little to no data on the results in human patients. Due to the limited number of human studies, the differences in study design, and the insufficient understanding of mechanisms of action, more rigorous comparative trials are needed to elucidate which types of MSCs and modifications have optimal therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Yuan-Jie Shen
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Yi-Fan Chen
- The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Master Program in Clinical Genomics and Proteomics, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Tao Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Chien-Wei Lee
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
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Pascual-Morena C, Cavero-Redondo I, Saz-Lara A, Sequí-Domínguez I, Lucerón-Lucas-Torres M, Martínez-Vizcaíno V. Genetic Modifiers and Phenotype of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080798. [PMID: 34451895 PMCID: PMC8401629 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway could modulate the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) phenotype. This meta-analysis aims to estimate the association of genetic variants involved in the TGFβ pathway, including the latent transforming growth factor beta binding protein 4 (LTBP4) and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) genes, among others, with age of loss of ambulation (LoA) and cardiac function in patients with DMD. Meta-analyses were conducted for the hazard ratio (HR) of LoA for each genetic variant. A subgroup analysis was performed in patients treated exclusively with glucocorticoids. Eight studies were included in the systematic review and four in the meta-analyses. The systematic review suggests a protective effect of LTBP4 haplotype IAAM (recessive model) for LoA. It is also suggested that the SPP1 rs28357094 genotype G (dominant model) is associated with early LoA in glucocorticoids-treated patients. The meta-analysis of the LTBP4 haplotype IAAM showed a protective association with LoA, with an HR = 0.78 (95% CI: 0.67–0.90). No association with LoA was observed for the SPP1 rs28357094. The LTBP4 haplotype IAAM is associated with a later LoA, especially in the Caucasian population, while the SPP1 rs28357094 genotype G could be associated with a poor response to glucocorticoids. Future research is suggested for SPP1 rs11730582, LTBP4 rs710160, and THBS1 rs2725797.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Pascual-Morena
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (I.C.-R.); (A.S.-L.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (V.M.-V.)
| | - Iván Cavero-Redondo
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (I.C.-R.); (A.S.-L.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (V.M.-V.)
- Rehabilitation in Health Research Center (CIRES), Universidad de las Américas, Santiago 72819, Chile
| | - Alicia Saz-Lara
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (I.C.-R.); (A.S.-L.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (V.M.-V.)
| | - Irene Sequí-Domínguez
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (I.C.-R.); (A.S.-L.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (V.M.-V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-96-917-9100
| | - Maribel Lucerón-Lucas-Torres
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (I.C.-R.); (A.S.-L.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (V.M.-V.)
| | - Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (I.C.-R.); (A.S.-L.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (V.M.-V.)
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3460000, Chile
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Choi E, Koo T. CRISPR technologies for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3179-3191. [PMID: 33823301 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated genome editing technologies have progressed remarkably in recent years, opening up the potential of precise genome editing as a therapeutic approach to treat various diseases. The CRISPR-CRISPR-associated (Cas) system is an attractive platform for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which is a neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the DMD gene. CRISPR-Cas can be used to permanently repair the mutated DMD gene, leading to the expression of the encoded protein, dystrophin, in systems ranging from cells derived from DMD patients to animal models of DMD. However, the development of more efficient therapeutic approaches and delivery methods remains a great challenge for DMD. Here, we review various therapeutic strategies that use CRISPR-Cas to correct or bypass DMD mutations and discuss their therapeutic potential, as well as obstacles that lie ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunyoung Choi
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeyoung Koo
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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Omosule CL, Phillips CL. Deciphering Myostatin's Regulatory, Metabolic, and Developmental Influence in Skeletal Diseases. Front Genet 2021; 12:662908. [PMID: 33854530 PMCID: PMC8039523 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.662908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Current research findings in humans and other mammalian and non-mammalian species support the potent regulatory role of myostatin in the morphology and function of muscle as well as cellular differentiation and metabolism, with real-life implications in agricultural meat production and human disease. Myostatin null mice (mstn−/−) exhibit skeletal muscle fiber hyperplasia and hypertrophy whereas myostatin deficiency in larger mammals like sheep and pigs engender muscle fiber hyperplasia. Myostatin’s impact extends beyond muscles, with alterations in myostatin present in the pathophysiology of myocardial infarctions, inflammation, insulin resistance, diabetes, aging, cancer cachexia, and musculoskeletal disease. In this review, we explore myostatin’s role in skeletal integrity and bone cell biology either due to direct biochemical signaling or indirect mechanisms of mechanotransduction. In vitro, myostatin inhibits osteoblast differentiation and stimulates osteoclast activity in a dose-dependent manner. Mice deficient in myostatin also have decreased osteoclast numbers, increased cortical thickness, cortical tissue mineral density in the tibia, and increased vertebral bone mineral density. Further, we explore the implications of these biochemical and biomechanical influences of myostatin signaling in the pathophysiology of human disorders that involve musculoskeletal degeneration. The pharmacological inhibition of myostatin directly or via decoy receptors has revealed improvements in muscle and bone properties in mouse models of osteogenesis imperfecta, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and diabetes. However, recent disappointing clinical trial outcomes of induced myostatin inhibition in diseases with significant neuromuscular wasting and atrophy reiterate complexity and further need for exploration of the translational application of myostatin inhibition in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine L Omosule
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Charlotte L Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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Antimyostatin Treatment in Health and Disease: The Story of Great Expectations and Limited Success. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030533. [PMID: 33802348 PMCID: PMC8001237 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past 20 years, myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle mass, has attracted attention as a potential therapeutic target in muscular dystrophies and other conditions. Preclinical studies have shown potential for increasing muscular mass and ameliorating the pathological features of dystrophic muscle by the inhibition of myostatin in various ways. However, hardly any clinical trials have proven to translate the promising results from the animal models into patient populations. We present the background for myostatin regulation, clinical and preclinical results and discuss why translation from animal models to patients is difficult. Based on this, we put the clinical relevance of future antimyostatin treatment into perspective.
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Targeting the Activin Receptor Signaling to Counteract the Multi-Systemic Complications of Cancer and Its Treatments. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030516. [PMID: 33671024 PMCID: PMC7997313 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle wasting, i.e., cachexia, frequently occurs in cancer and associates with poor prognosis and increased morbidity and mortality. Anticancer treatments have also been shown to contribute to sustainment or exacerbation of cachexia, thus affecting quality of life and overall survival in cancer patients. Pre-clinical studies have shown that blocking activin receptor type 2 (ACVR2) or its ligands and their downstream signaling can preserve muscle mass in rodents bearing experimental cancers, as well as in chemotherapy-treated animals. In tumor-bearing mice, the prevention of skeletal and respiratory muscle wasting was also associated with improved survival. However, the definitive proof that improved survival directly results from muscle preservation following blockade of ACVR2 signaling is still lacking, especially considering that concurrent beneficial effects in organs other than skeletal muscle have also been described in the presence of cancer or following chemotherapy treatments paired with counteraction of ACVR2 signaling. Hence, here, we aim to provide an up-to-date literature review on the multifaceted anti-cachectic effects of ACVR2 blockade in preclinical models of cancer, as well as in combination with anticancer treatments.
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