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Mariano CG, de Oliveira VC, Ambrósio CE. Gene editing in small and large animals for translational medicine: a review. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20230089. [PMID: 38628493 PMCID: PMC11019828 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a simpler and more versatile method compared to other engineered nucleases such as Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) and Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs), and since its discovery, the efficiency of CRISPR-based genome editing has increased to the point that multiple and different types of edits can be made simultaneously. These advances in gene editing have revolutionized biotechnology by enabling precise genome editing with greater simplicity and efficacy than ever before. This tool has been successfully applied to a wide range of animal species, including cattle, pigs, dogs, and other small animals. Engineered nucleases cut the genome at specific target positions, triggering the cell's mechanisms to repair the damage and introduce a mutation to a specific genomic site. This review discusses novel genome-based CRISPR/Cas9 editing tools, methods developed to improve efficiency and specificity, the use of gene-editing on animal models and translational medicine, and the main challenges and limitations of CRISPR-based gene-editing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clésio Gomes Mariano
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Vanessa Cristina de Oliveira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Ambrósio
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
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2
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Sakai K, Motegi T, Chambers JK, Uchida K, Nishida H, Shimamura S, Tani H, Shimada T, Furuya M. Dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in a Toy Poodle with a single base pair insertion in exon 45 of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene. J Vet Med Sci 2022; 84:502-506. [PMID: 35135937 PMCID: PMC9096033 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A 10-month-old, intact male Toy Poodle was referred for a postural abnormality. Blood biochemical tests revealed a marked increase in plasma creatine phosphokinase (CPK) concentration. The isoenzyme test showed that 99% of serum CPK consisted of CPK-MM. Histopathological evaluation of muscle biopsy samples confirmed scattered degeneration and necrosis of myofibers. Immunohistochemistry for dystrophin showed an absence of staining in muscle cells. Based on these findings, the dog was diagnosed with dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy. Whole genome sequencing using genomic DNA extracted from blood revealed a single base pair insertion in exon 45 of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene. This is the first report on muscular dystrophy in Toy Poodles and identified a novel mutation in the DMD gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosei Sakai
- Veterinary Medical Center, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University
| | - Tomoki Motegi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathobiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | - James Ken Chambers
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | - Kazuyuki Uchida
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | - Hidetaka Nishida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University
| | - Shunsuke Shimamura
- Veterinary Medical Center, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University
| | - Hiroyuki Tani
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University
| | - Terumasa Shimada
- Veterinary Medical Center, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University
| | - Masaru Furuya
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University
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3
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Barthélémy I, Calmels N, Weiss RB, Tiret L, Vulin A, Wein N, Peccate C, Drougard C, Beroud C, Deburgrave N, Thibaud JL, Escriou C, Punzón I, Garcia L, Kaplan JC, Flanigan KM, Leturcq F, Blot S. X-linked muscular dystrophy in a Labrador Retriever strain: phenotypic and molecular characterisation. Skelet Muscle 2020; 10:23. [PMID: 32767978 PMCID: PMC7412789 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-020-00239-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are a valuable tool to evaluate potential therapies because they faithfully reproduce the human disease. Several cases of dystrophinopathies have been described in canines, but the Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) model remains the most used in preclinical studies. Here, we report a new spontaneous dystrophinopathy in a Labrador Retriever strain, named Labrador Retriever muscular dystrophy (LRMD). Methods A colony of LRMD dogs was established from spontaneous cases. Fourteen LRMD dogs were followed-up and compared to the GRMD standard using several functional tests. The disease causing mutation was studied by several molecular techniques and identified using RNA-sequencing. Results The main clinical features of the GRMD disease were found in LRMD dogs; the functional tests provided data roughly overlapping with those measured in GRMD dogs, with similar inter-individual heterogeneity. The LRMD causal mutation was shown to be a 2.2-Mb inversion disrupting the DMD gene within intron 20 and involving the TMEM47 gene. In skeletal muscle, the Dp71 isoform was ectopically expressed, probably as a consequence of the mutation. We found no evidence of polymorphism in either of the two described modifier genes LTBP4 and Jagged1. No differences were found in Pitpna mRNA expression levels that would explain the inter-individual variability. Conclusions This study provides a full comparative description of a new spontaneous canine model of dystrophinopathy, found to be phenotypically equivalent to the GRMD model. We report a novel large DNA mutation within the DMD gene and provide evidence that LRMD is a relevant model to pinpoint additional DMD modifier genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inès Barthélémy
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nadège Calmels
- Laboratoire de biochimie et génétique moléculaire, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique-Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 Place de L'Hôpital, 67091, Strasbourg, France
| | - Robert B Weiss
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Laurent Tiret
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Adeline Vulin
- SQY Therapeutics, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Nicolas Wein
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Cécile Peccate
- SQY Therapeutics, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, INSERM UMRS974, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Institut de Myologie, G.H. Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Carole Drougard
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Christophe Beroud
- Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, MMG, Bioinformatics & Genetics, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpital Timone Enfants, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Marseille, France
| | - Nathalie Deburgrave
- Laboratoire de biochimie et génétique moléculaire, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Laurent Thibaud
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Catherine Escriou
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Isabel Punzón
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Luis Garcia
- Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Jean-Claude Kaplan
- Laboratoire de biochimie et génétique moléculaire, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Kevin M Flanigan
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - France Leturcq
- Laboratoire de biochimie et génétique moléculaire, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, INSERM UMRS974, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Institut de Myologie, G.H. Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Blot
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Danilov KA, Vassilieva SG, Polikarpova AV, Starikova AV, Shmidt AA, Galkin II, Tsitrina AA, Egorova TV, Orlov SN, Kotelevtsev YV. In vitro assay for the efficacy assessment of AAV vectors expressing microdystrophin. Exp Cell Res 2020; 392:112033. [PMID: 32360435 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AAV-delivered microdystrophin genes hold great promise for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) treatment. It is anticipated that the optimization of engineered dystrophin genes will be required to increase the efficacy and reduce the immunogenicity of transgenic proteins. An in vitro system is required for the efficacy testing of genetically engineered dystrophin genes. We report here on the proof of concept for an in vitro assay based on the assessment of sarcolemma damage after repetitively applied electrical stimuli. The primary cell culture of myoblasts was established from wild-type C57BL/10ScSnJ and dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. The preparation parameters and the differentiation of contractile myotubes were optimized. DAPI and TO-PRO-3 dyes were used to assess myotubular membrane permeability in response to electrical pulse stimulation (EPS). Myotubes derived from mdx mice exhibited a greater increase in membrane damage, as assessed by TO-PRO-3-measured permeability after EPS, than was exhibited by the healthy control myotubes. AAV-DJ particles carrying the microdystrophin gene were used to transduce mdx-derived differentiated myotubes. Microdystrophin delivery ameliorated the disease phenotype and reduced the EPS-induced membrane damage to a level comparable to that of the healthy controls. Thus, the in vitro system was shown to be capable of supporting studies on DMD gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill A Danilov
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, 121205, Russia; Atlas Biomed Group Limited, Tintagel House, 92 Albert Embankment, Lambeth, SE1 7TY, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Svetlana G Vassilieva
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia; Marlin Biotech LLC, Moscow, 143026, Russia.
| | - Anna V Polikarpova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia; Marlin Biotech LLC, Moscow, 143026, Russia.
| | - Anna V Starikova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia; Marlin Biotech LLC, Moscow, 143026, Russia.
| | - Anna A Shmidt
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia; Marlin Biotech LLC, Moscow, 143026, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
| | - Ivan I Galkin
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Moscow, 143026, Russia; A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Alexandra A Tsitrina
- Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
| | - Tatiana V Egorova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia; Marlin Biotech LLC, Moscow, 143026, Russia.
| | - Sergei N Orlov
- M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia; National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia.
| | - Yuri V Kotelevtsev
- Center for Neurobiology and Brain Restoration, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, 121205, Russia.
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Sui T, Lau YS, Liu D, Liu T, Xu L, Gao Y, Lai L, Li Z, Han R. A novel rabbit model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy generated by CRISPR/Cas9. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm.032201. [PMID: 29871865 PMCID: PMC6031364 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.032201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked muscle-wasting disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, with an incidence of 1 in 3500 in new male births. Mdx mice are widely used as an animal model for DMD. However, these mice do not faithfully recapitulate DMD patients in many aspects, rendering the preclinical findings in this model questionable. Although larger animal models of DMD, such as dogs and pigs, have been generated, usage of these animals is expensive and only limited to several facilities in the world. Here, we report the generation of a rabbit model of DMD by co-injection of Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA targeting exon 51 into rabbit zygotes. The DMD knockout (KO) rabbits exhibit the typical phenotypes of DMD, including severely impaired physical activity, elevated serum creatine kinase levels, and progressive muscle necrosis and fibrosis. Moreover, clear pathology was also observed in the diaphragm and heart at 5 months of age, similar to DMD patients. Echocardiography recording showed that the DMD KO rabbits had chamber dilation with decreased ejection fraction and fraction shortening. In conclusion, this novel rabbit DMD model generated with the CRISPR/Cas9 system mimics the histopathological and functional defects in DMD patients, and could be valuable for preclinical studies. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: The DMD KO rabbit engineered by CRISPR genome editing faithfully recapitulates the DMD pathologies, and could be a valuable tool for basic and translational studies to combat this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Sui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Yeh Siang Lau
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, US
| | - Di Liu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Tingjun Liu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, US
| | - Yandi Gao
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, US
| | - Liangxue Lai
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Zhanjun Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Renzhi Han
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, US
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Clinical and genetic characterisation of dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in a family of Miniature Poodle dogs. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193372. [PMID: 29474464 PMCID: PMC5825102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Four full-sibling intact male Miniature Poodles were evaluated at 4–19 months of age. One was clinically normal and three were affected. All affected dogs were reluctant to exercise and had generalised muscle atrophy, a stiff gait and a markedly elevated serum creatine kinase activity. Two affected dogs also showed poor development, learning difficulties and episodes of abnormal behaviour. In these two dogs, investigations into forebrain structural and metabolic diseases were unremarkable; electromyography demonstrated fibrillation potentials and complex repetitive discharges in the infraspinatus, supraspinatus and epaxial muscles. Histopathological, immunohistochemical and immunoblotting analyses of muscle biopsies were consistent with dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy. DNA samples were obtained from all four full-sibling male Poodles, a healthy female littermate and the dam, which was clinically normal. Whole genome sequencing of one affected dog revealed a >5 Mb deletion on the X chromosome, encompassing the entire DMD gene. The exact deletion breakpoints could not be experimentally ascertained, but we confirmed that this region was deleted in all affected males, but not in the unaffected dogs. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed all three affected males were hemizygous for the mutant X chromosome, while the wildtype chromosome was observed in the unaffected male littermate. The female littermate and the dam were both heterozygous for the mutant chromosome. Forty-four Miniature Poodles from the general population were screened for the mutation and were homozygous for the wildtype chromosome. The finding represents a naturally-occurring mutation causing dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in the dog.
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7
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Nghiem PP, Bello L, Balog-Alvarez C, López SM, Bettis A, Barnett H, Hernandez B, Schatzberg SJ, Piercy RJ, Kornegay JN. Whole genome sequencing reveals a 7 base-pair deletion in DMD exon 42 in a dog with muscular dystrophy. Mamm Genome 2016; 28:106-113. [PMID: 28028563 PMCID: PMC5371640 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-016-9675-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Dystrophin is a key cytoskeletal protein coded by the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene located on the X-chromosome. Truncating mutations in the DMD gene cause loss of dystrophin and the classical DMD clinical syndrome. Spontaneous DMD gene mutations and associated phenotypes occur in several other species. The mdx mouse model and the golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) canine model have been used extensively to study DMD disease pathogenesis and show efficacy and side effects of putative treatments. Certain DMD gene mutations in high-risk, the so-called hot spot areas can be particularly helpful in modeling molecular therapies. Identification of specific mutations has been greatly enhanced by new genomic methods. Whole genome, next generation sequencing (WGS) has been recently used to define DMD patient mutations, but has not been used in dystrophic dogs. A dystrophin-deficient Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) dog was evaluated at the functional, histopathological, biochemical, and molecular level. The affected dog's phenotype was compared to the previously reported canine dystrophinopathies. WGS was then used to detect a 7 base pair deletion in DMD exon 42 (c.6051-6057delTCTCAAT mRNA), predicting a frameshift in gene transcription and truncation of dystrophin protein translation. The deletion was confirmed with conventional PCR and Sanger sequencing. This mutation is in a secondary DMD gene hotspot area distinct from the one identified earlier at the 5' donor splice site of intron 50 in the CKCS breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter P Nghiem
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences (Mail Stop 4458), College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA.
| | - Luca Bello
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 5, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Cindy Balog-Alvarez
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences (Mail Stop 4458), College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Sara Mata López
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences (Mail Stop 4458), College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Amanda Bettis
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences (Mail Stop 4458), College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Heather Barnett
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences (Mail Stop 4458), College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Briana Hernandez
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences (Mail Stop 4458), College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Scott J Schatzberg
- Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Santa Fe, 2001 Vivigen Way, Santa Fe, NM, 87505, USA
| | - Richard J Piercy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Joe N Kornegay
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences (Mail Stop 4458), College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
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8
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Duan D. Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy in the canine model. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2015; 26:57-69. [PMID: 25710459 PMCID: PMC4442571 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2015.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked lethal muscle disease caused by dystrophin deficiency. Gene therapy has significantly improved the outcome of dystrophin-deficient mice. Yet, clinical translation has not resulted in the expected benefits in human patients. This translational gap is largely because of the insufficient modeling of DMD in mice. Specifically, mice lacking dystrophin show minimum dystrophic symptoms, and they do not respond to the gene therapy vector in the same way as human patients do. Further, the size of a mouse is hundredfolds smaller than a boy, making it impossible to scale-up gene therapy in a mouse model. None of these limitations exist in the canine DMD (cDMD) model. For this reason, cDMD dogs have been considered a highly valuable platform to test experimental DMD gene therapy. Over the last three decades, a variety of gene therapy approaches have been evaluated in cDMD dogs using a number of nonviral and viral vectors. These studies have provided critical insight for the development of an effective gene therapy protocol in human patients. This review discusses the history, current status, and future directions of the DMD gene therapy in the canine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Neurology School of Medicine, University of Missouri , Columbia, MO 65212
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9
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Giannasi C, Tappin SW, Guo LT, Shelton GD, Palus V. Dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in two lurcher siblings. J Small Anim Pract 2015; 56:577-80. [PMID: 25622540 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Two cases of dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in 16-week-old male lurcher siblings are reported. The myopathies were characterised by regurgitation, progressive weakness and muscle wastage. The dogs had generalised weakness in all four limbs, with more pronounced weakness in the pelvic limbs. Reduced withdrawal in all limbs, muscle contracture and lingual hypertrophy were noted. Serum creatine kinase activities were markedly elevated. Electromyographic abnormalities included fibrillation potentials. Histopathological and immunohistochemical staining were consistent with dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy. Clinical improvement was noted in one of the cases with L-carnitine supplementation and supportive therapy. Genetic transmission of the disease was postulated as the dogs were siblings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S W Tappin
- Dick White Referrals, Station Farm, London Road, Six Mile Bottom, Cambridgeshire, CB8 0UH
| | - L T Guo
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - G D Shelton
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - V Palus
- Dick White Referrals, Station Farm, London Road, Six Mile Bottom, Cambridgeshire, CB8 0UH
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10
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Beltran E, Shelton GD, Guo LT, Dennis R, Sanchez-Masian D, Robinson D, De Risio L. Dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in a Norfolk terrier. J Small Anim Pract 2014; 56:351-4. [PMID: 25353637 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A six-month-old male entire Norfolk terrier was presented with a 3-month history of poor development, reluctance to exercise and progressive and diffuse muscle atrophy. Serum creatine kinase concentration was markedly elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging of the epaxial muscles revealed asymmetrical streaky signal changes aligned within the muscle fibres (hyperintense on T2-weighted images and short-tau inversion recovery with moderate contrast enhancement on T1-weighted images). Electromyography revealed pseudomyotonic discharges and fibrillation potentials localised at the level of the supraspinatus, epaxial muscles and tibial cranialis muscles. Muscle biopsy results were consistent with dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy. The dog remained stable 7 months after diagnosis with coenzyme Q10 and l-carnitine; however after that time, there was a marked deterioration and the owners elected euthanasia. This case report describes the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging, electrodiagnostic and histopathological findings with immunohistochemical analysis in a Norfolk terrier with confirmed dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy, which has not been previously described in this breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Beltran
- Centre for Small Animal Studies, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB87UU
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Brinkmeyer-Langford C, Kornegay JN. Comparative Genomics of X-linked Muscular Dystrophies: The Golden Retriever Model. Curr Genomics 2014; 14:330-42. [PMID: 24403852 PMCID: PMC3763684 DOI: 10.2174/13892029113149990004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating disease that dramatically decreases the lifespan and abilities of affected young people. The primary molecular cause of the disease is the absence of functional dystrophin protein, which is critical to proper muscle function. Those with DMD vary in disease presentation and dystrophin mutation; the same causal mutation may be associated with drastically different levels of disease severity. Also contributing to this variation are the influences of additional modifying genes and/or changes in functional elements governing such modifiers. This genetic heterogeneity complicates the efficacy of treatment methods and to date medical interventions are limited to treating symptoms. Animal models of DMD have been instrumental in teasing out the intricacies of DMD disease and hold great promise for advancing knowledge of its variable presentation and treatment. This review addresses the utility of comparative genomics in elucidating the complex background behind phenotypic variation in a canine model of DMD, Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD). This knowledge can be exploited in the development of improved, more personalized treatments for DMD patients, such as therapies that can be tailor-matched to the disease course and genomic background of individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Brinkmeyer-Langford
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences - Mailstop 4458, College Station, Texas, U.S.A. 77843-4458
| | - Joe N Kornegay
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences - Mailstop 4458, College Station, Texas, U.S.A. 77843-4458
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de la Fuente C, Shelton GD, Molín J, Pumarola M, Guo LT, Añor S. Pathology in practice. Dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2012; 240:1423-5. [PMID: 22657924 DOI: 10.2460/javma.240.12.1423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristian de la Fuente
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary School, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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13
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Kornegay JN, Bogan JR, Bogan DJ, Childers MK, Li J, Nghiem P, Detwiler DA, Larsen CA, Grange RW, Bhavaraju-Sanka RK, Tou S, Keene BP, Howard JF, Wang J, Fan Z, Schatzberg SJ, Styner MA, Flanigan KM, Xiao X, Hoffman EP. Canine models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their use in therapeutic strategies. Mamm Genome 2012; 23:85-108. [PMID: 22218699 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-011-9382-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder in which the loss of dystrophin causes progressive degeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscle. Potential therapies that carry substantial risk, such as gene- and cell-based approaches, must first be tested in animal models, notably the mdx mouse and several dystrophin-deficient breeds of dogs, including golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD). Affected dogs have a more severe phenotype, in keeping with that of DMD, so may better predict disease pathogenesis and treatment efficacy. Various phenotypic tests have been developed to characterize disease progression in the GRMD model. These biomarkers range from measures of strength and joint contractures to magnetic resonance imaging. Some of these tests are routinely used in clinical veterinary practice, while others require specialized equipment and expertise. By comparing serial measurements from treated and untreated groups, one can document improvement or delayed progression of disease. Potential treatments for DMD may be broadly categorized as molecular, cellular, or pharmacologic. The GRMD model has increasingly been used to assess efficacy of a range of these therapies. A number of these studies have provided largely general proof-of-concept for the treatment under study. Others have demonstrated efficacy using the biomarkers discussed. Importantly, just as symptoms in DMD vary among patients, GRMD dogs display remarkable phenotypic variation. Though confounding statistical analysis in preclinical trials, this variation offers insight regarding the role that modifier genes play in disease pathogenesis. By correlating functional and mRNA profiling results, gene targets for therapy development can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe N Kornegay
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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14
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Ito D, Kitagawa M, Jeffery N, Okada M, Yoshida M, Kobayashi M, Nakamura A, Watari T. Dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in an Alaskan malamute. Vet Rec 2011; 169:127. [PMID: 21730032 DOI: 10.1136/vr.d2693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D Ito
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
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15
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Olby NJ, Sharp NJH, Nghiem PE, Keene BW, DeFrancesco TC, Sidley JA, Kornegay JN, Schatzberg SJ. Clinical progression of X-linked muscular dystrophy in two German Shorthaired Pointers. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2011; 238:207-12. [PMID: 21235374 DOI: 10.2460/javma.238.2.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION 2 full-sibling male German Shorthaired Pointer (GSHP) puppies (dogs 1 and 2) with X-linked muscular dystrophy and deletion of the dystrophin gene (gene symbol, DMD) each had poor growth, skeletal muscle atrophy, pelvic limb weakness, episodic collapse, and episodes of coughing. CLINICAL FINDINGS Initial examination revealed stunted growth, brachygnathism, trismus, and diffuse neuromuscular signs in each puppy; clinical signs were more severe in dog 2 than in dog 1. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a lack of dystrophin protein in both dogs. During the next 3 years, each dog developed hyperinflation of the lungs, hypertrophy of the cervical musculature, and hypertrophy of the lateral head of the triceps brachii muscle. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Monitoring and supportive care were provided at follow-up visits during an approximately 7-year period. No other specific treatment was provided. Neuromuscular signs in both dogs remained stable after 3 years of age, with dog 2 consistently more severely affected than dog 1. The dogs had multiple episodes of aspiration pneumonia; dogs 1 and 2 were euthanatized at 84 and 93 months of age, respectively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The clinical course of disease in these dogs was monitored for a longer period than has been monitored in previous reports of dystrophin-deficient dogs. The clinical progression of muscular dystrophy in the 2 GSHPs was compared with that for other breeds and species with dystrophin-deficient conditions, and the potential basis for the phenotypic variation observed between these littermates, along with potential therapeutic ramifications for dogs and humans, was evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha J Olby
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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Abstract
A milestone of molecular medicine is the identification of dystrophin gene mutation as the cause of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Over the last 2 decades, major advances in dystrophin biology and gene delivery technology have created an opportunity to treat DMD with gene therapy. Remarkable success has been achieved in treating dystrophic mice. Several gene therapy strategies, including plasmid transfer, exon skipping, and adeno-associated virus-mediated microdystrophin therapy, have entered clinical trials. However, therapeutic benefit has not been realized in DMD patients. Bridging the gap between mice and humans is no doubt the most pressing issue facing DMD gene therapy now. In contrast to mice, dystrophin-deficient dogs are genetically and phenotypically similar to human patients. Preliminary gene therapy studies in the canine model may offer critical insights that cannot be obtained from murine studies. It is clear that the canine DMD model may represent an important link between mice and humans. Unfortunately, our current knowledge of dystrophic dogs is limited, and the full picture of disease progression remains to be clearly defined. We also lack rigorous outcome measures (such as in situ force measurement) to monitor therapeutic efficacy in dystrophic dogs. Undoubtedly, maintaining a dystrophic dog colony is technically demanding, and the cost of dog studies cannot be underestimated. A carefully coordinated effort from the entire DMD community is needed to make the best use of the precious dog resource. Successful DMD gene therapy may depend on valid translational studies in dystrophin-deficient dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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An intronic LINE-1 element insertion in the dystrophin gene aborts dystrophin expression and results in Duchenne-like muscular dystrophy in the corgi breed. J Transl Med 2011; 91:216-31. [PMID: 20714321 PMCID: PMC2999660 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2010.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a dystrophin-deficient lethal muscle disease. To date, the catastrophic muscle wasting phenotype has only been seen in dystrophin-deficient humans and dogs. Although Duchenne-like symptoms have been observed in more than a dozen dog breeds, the mutation is often not known and research colonies are rarely established. Here, we report an independent canine DMD model originally derived from the Pembroke Welsh corgi breed. The affected dogs presented clinical signs of muscular dystrophy. Immunostaining revealed the absence of dystrophin and upregulation of utrophin. Histopathologic examination showed variable fiber size, central nucleation, calcification, fibrosis, neutrophil and macrophage infiltration and cardiac focal vacuolar degeneration. Carrier dogs also displayed mild myopathy. The mutation was identified as a long interspersed repetitive element-1 (LINE-1) insertion in intron 13, which introduced a new exon containing an in-frame stop codon. Similar mutations have been seen in human patients. A colony was generated by crossing carrier females with normal males. Affected puppies had a normal birth weight but they experienced a striking growth delay in the first 5 days. In summary, the new corgi DMD model offers an excellent opportunity to study DMD pathogenesis and to develop novel therapies.
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Golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD): Developing and maintaining a colony and physiological functional measurements. Methods Mol Biol 2011; 709:105-23. [PMID: 21194024 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61737-982-6_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Studies of canine models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) provide insight regarding disease pathogenesis and treatment efficacy. To take maximal advantage, colonies of affected dogs must be maintained and outcome parameters developed. In this chapter, we review our 25 years of experience with the golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) model. Key challenges in colony development (breeding, neonatal death, and the risk of inbreeding) and representative functional measurements (tibiotarsal joint angle and torque force; and eccentric contraction decrement) are discussed.
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Kornegay JN, Li J, Bogan JR, Bogan DJ, Chen C, Zheng H, Wang B, Qiao C, Howard JF, Xiao X. Widespread muscle expression of an AAV9 human mini-dystrophin vector after intravenous injection in neonatal dystrophin-deficient dogs. Mol Ther 2010; 18:1501-8. [PMID: 20517298 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2010.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne (DMD) and golden retriever (GRMD) muscular dystrophy are caused by genetic mutations in the dystrophin gene and afflict striated muscles. We investigated systemic gene delivery in 4-day-old GRMD dogs given a single intravenous injection of an AAV9 vector (1.5 x 10(14) vector genomes/kg) carrying a human codon-optimized human mini-dystrophin gene under control of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. One of the three treated dogs was euthanized 9 days later due to pre-existing conditions. Scattered mini-dystrophin-positive myofibers were seen by immunofluorescent (IF) staining in numerous muscles. At the end of the 16-week study, the other two dogs showed generalized muscle expression of mini-dystrophin in ~15% to nearly 100% of myofibers. Western blot and vector DNA quantitative PCR results agreed with the IF data. Delayed growth and pelvic limb muscle atrophy and contractures were seen several weeks after vector delivery. T-2 weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 8 weeks showed increased signal intensity compatible with inflammation in several pelvic limb muscles. This marked early inflammatory response raised concerns regarding methodology. Use of the ubiquitous CMV promoter, extra-high vector dose, and marked expression of a human protein in canine muscles may have contributed to the pathologic changes seen in the pelvic limbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe N Kornegay
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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