scholarly journals Therapeutic Exon Skipping via a CRISPR-guided Cytidine Deaminase Rescues Dystrophic Cardiomyopathy In Vivo

Circulation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Li ◽  
Kaiying Wang ◽  
Yuchen Zhang ◽  
Tuan Qi ◽  
Juanjuan Yuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Skeletal Muscles ◽  
Ventricular Remodeling ◽  
Force Measurement ◽  
Exon Skipping ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Preclinical Model ◽  
Dystrophic Cardiomyopathy

Background: Loss of dystrophin protein causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), characterized by progressive degeneration of cardiac and skeletal muscles, and mortality in adolescence or young adult. Although cardiac failure has risen as the leading cause of mortality in patients with DMD, effective therapeutic interventions remain underdeveloped, in part, due to the lack of a suitable preclinical model. Methods: We analyzed a novel murine model of DMD created by introducing a 4-bp deletion into exon 4, one of the exons encoding the actin-binding domain 1 of dystrophin (referred to as Dmd E4* mice). Echocardiography, micro-CT, muscle force measurement, and histological analysis were performed to determine cardiac and skeletal muscle defects in these mice. Using this model, we examined the feasibility of using a cytidine base editor to install exon skipping and rescue dystrophic cardiomyopathy in vivo . AAV9-based CRISPR/Cas9-AID (eTAM) together with AAV9-sgRNA was injected into neonatal Dmd E4* mice, which were analyzed 2- or 12-month post treatment to evaluate the extents of exon skipping, dystrophin restoration, and phenotypic improvements of cardiac and skeletal muscles. Results: Dmd E4* mice recapitulated many aspects of human DMD, including shortened lifespan (by ∼50%), progressive cardiomyopathy, kyphosis, profound loss of muscle strength, and myocyte degeneration. A single-dose administration of AAV9-eTAM instituted over 50% targeted exon skipping in the Dmd transcripts and restored up to 90% dystrophin in the heart. As a result, early ventricular remodeling was prevented and cardiac and skeletal muscle functions were improved, leading to an increased lifespan of the Dmd E4* mice. Despite gradual decline of AAV vector and base editor expression, dystrophin restoration and pathophysiological rescue of muscular dystrophy were long lasted for at least one year. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy to institute exon skipping via an enhanced TAM (eTAM) for therapeutic application(s).

scholarly journals Renadirsen, a Novel 2′OMeRNA/ENA® Chimera Antisense Oligonucleotide, Induces Robust Exon 45 Skipping for Dystrophin In Vivo

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 1267-1281
Author(s):  
Kentaro Ito ◽  
Hideo Takakusa ◽  
Masayo Kakuta ◽  
Akira Kanda ◽  
Nana Takagi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Cardiac Dysfunction ◽  
Exon Skipping ◽  
Dystrophin Gene ◽  
Becker Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Systemic Delivery ◽  
Nuclease Resistance ◽  
Muscle Wasting Disease

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle-wasting disease caused by out-of-frame or nonsense mutation in the dystrophin gene. It begins with a loss of ambulation between 9 and 14 years of age, followed by various other symptoms including cardiac dysfunction. Exon skipping of patients’ DMD pre-mRNA induced by antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) is expected to produce shorter but partly functional dystrophin proteins, such as those possessed by patients with the less severe Becker muscular dystrophy. We are working on developing modified nucleotides, such as 2′-O,4′-C-ethylene-bridged nucleic acids (ENAs), possessing high nuclease resistance and high affinity for complementary RNA strands. Here, we demonstrate the preclinical characteristics (exon-skipping activity in vivo, stability in blood, pharmacokinetics, and tissue distribution) of renadirsen, a novel AO modified with 2′-O-methyl RNA/ENA chimera phosphorothioate designed for dystrophin exon 45 skipping and currently under clinical trials. Notably, systemic delivery of renadirsen sodium promoted dystrophin exon skipping in cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, and diaphragm, compared with AOs with the same sequence as renadirsen but conventionally modified by PMO and 2′OMePS. These findings suggest the promise of renadirsen sodium as a therapeutic agent that improves not only skeletal muscle symptoms but also other symptoms in DMD patients, such as cardiac dysfunction.

scholarly journals Overexpression of Galgt2 in skeletal muscle prevents injury resulting from eccentric contractions in both mdx and wild-type mice

2009 ◽  
Vol 296 (3) ◽  
pp. C476-C488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul T. Martin ◽  
Rui Xu ◽  
Louise R. Rodino-Klapac ◽  
Elaine Oglesbay ◽  
Marybeth Camboni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Skeletal Muscles ◽  
Eccentric Contractions ◽  
Cytotoxic T Cell ◽  
Muscle Pathology ◽  
Mdx Mice ◽  
Specific Force ◽  
Wild Type

The cytotoxic T cell (CT) GalNAc transferase, or Galgt2, is a UDP-GalNAc:β1,4- N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase that is localized to the neuromuscular synapse in adult skeletal muscle, where it creates the synaptic CT carbohydrate antigen {GalNAcβ1,4[NeuAc(orGc)α2, 3]Galβ1,4GlcNAcβ-}. Overexpression of Galgt2 in the skeletal muscles of transgenic mice inhibits the development of muscular dystrophy in mdx mice, a model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Here, we provide physiological evidence as to how Galgt2 may inhibit the development of muscle pathology in mdx animals. Both Galgt2 transgenic wild-type and mdx skeletal muscles showed a marked improvement in normalized isometric force during repetitive eccentric contractions relative to nontransgenic littermates, even using a paradigm where nontransgenic muscles had force reductions of 95% or more. Muscles from Galgt2 transgenic mice, however, showed a significant decrement in normalized specific force and in hindlimb and forelimb grip strength at some ages. Overexpression of Galgt2 in muscles of young adult mdx mice, where Galgt2 has no effect on muscle size, also caused a significant decrease in force drop during eccentric contractions and increased normalized specific force. A comparison of Galgt2 and microdystrophin overexpression using a therapeutically relevant intravascular gene delivery protocol showed Galgt2 was as effective as microdystrophin at preventing loss of force during eccentric contractions. These experiments provide a mechanism to explain why Galgt2 overexpression inhibits muscular dystrophy in mdx muscles. That overexpression also prevents loss of force in nondystrophic muscles suggests that Galgt2 is a therapeutic target with broad potential applications.

Expression of steroidogenic enzymes and synthesis of sex steroid hormones from DHEA in skeletal muscle of rats

2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (2) ◽  
pp. E577-E584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katsuji Aizawa ◽  
Motoyuki Iemitsu ◽  
Seiji Maeda ◽  
Subrina Jesmin ◽  
Takeshi Otsuki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Steroid Hormones ◽  
Skeletal Muscles ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Sex Steroid Hormones ◽  
Sex Steroid ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Steroidogenic Enzymes

The functional importance of sex steroid hormones (testosterone and estrogens), derived from extragonadal tissues, has recently gained significant appreciation. Circulating dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is peripherally taken up and converted to testosterone by 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) and 17β-HSD, and testosterone in turn is irreversibly converted to estrogens by aromatase cytochrome P-450 (P450arom). Although sex steroid hormones have been implicated in skeletal muscle regulation and adaptation, it is unclear whether skeletal muscles have a local steroidogenic enzymatic machinery capable of metabolizing circulating DHEA. Thus, here, we investigate whether the three key steroidogenic enzymes (3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, and P450arom) are present in the skeletal muscle and are capable of generating sex steroid hormones. Consistent with our hypothesis, the present study demonstrates mRNA and protein expression of these enzymes in the skeletal muscle cells of rats both in vivo and in culture (in vitro). Importantly, we also show an intracellular formation of testosterone and estradiol from DHEA or testosterone in cultured muscle cells in a dose-dependent manner. These findings are novel and important in that they provide the first evidence showing that skeletal muscles are capable of locally synthesizing sex steroid hormones from circulating DHEA or testosterone.

scholarly journals In Vivo Activation of STAT3 Signaling in Satellite Cells and Myofibers in Regenerating Rat Skeletal Muscles

2002 ◽  
Vol 50 (12) ◽  
pp. 1579-1589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katsuya Kami ◽  
Emiko Senba
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Satellite Cells ◽  
Muscle Regeneration ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Skeletal Muscles ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Regeneration ◽  
Stat3 Signaling

Although growth factors and cytokines play critical roles in skeletal muscle regeneration, intracellular signaling molecules that are activated by these factors in regenerating muscles have been not elucidated. Several lines of evidence suggest that leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is an important cytokine for the proliferation and survival of myoblasts in vitro and acceleration of skeletal muscle regeneration. To elucidate the role of LIF signaling in regenerative responses of skeletal muscles, we examined the spatial and temporal activation patterns of an LIF-associated signaling molecule, the signal transducer and activator transcription 3 (STAT3) proteins in regenerating rat skeletal muscles induced by crush injury. At the early stage of regeneration, activated STAT3 proteins were first detected in the nuclei of activated satellite cells and then continued to be activated in proliferating myoblasts expressing both PCNA and MyoD proteins. When muscle regeneration progressed, STAT3 signaling was no longer activated in differentiated myoblasts and myotubes. In addition, activation of STAT3 was also detected in myonuclei within intact sarcolemmas of surviving myofibers that did not show signs of necrosis. These findings suggest that activation of STAT3 signaling is an important molecular event that induces the successful regeneration of injured skeletal muscles.

Glutamine Metabolism in Skeletal Muscle of Glucocorticoid-Treated Rats

1990 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Salleh M. Ardawi ◽  
Yasir S. Jamal
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Exchange Rates ◽  
Skeletal Muscles ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Maximal Activity ◽  
Glutamine Metabolism ◽  
Dexamethasone Treatment ◽  
Concentration Difference

1. The effect of dexamethasone (30 μg day−-1 100 g−-1 body weight) on the regulation of glutamine metabolism was studied in skeletal muscles of rats after 9 days of treatment. 2. Dexamethasone resulted in negative nitrogen balance, and produced increases in the plasma concentrations of alanine (23.4%) and insulin (158%) but a decrease in the plasma concentration of glutamine (28.7%). 3. Dexamethasone treatment increased the rate of glutamine production in muscle, skin and adipose tissue preparations, with muscle production accounting for over 90% of total glutamine produced by the hindlimb. 4. Blood flow and arteriovenous concentration difference measurements across the hindlimb showed an increase in the net exchange rates of glutamine (25.3%) and alanine (90.5%) in dexamethasone-treated rats compared with corresponding controls. 5. Dexamethasone treatment produced significant decreases in the concentrations of skeletal muscle glutamine (51.8%) and 2-oxoglutarate (50.8%). The concentrations of alanine (16.2%), pyruvate (45.9%), ammonia (43.3%) and inosine 5′-phosphate (141.8%) were increased. 6. The maximal activity of glutamine synthetase was increased (21–34%), but there was no change in that of glutaminase, in muscles of dexamethasone-treated rats. 7. It is concluded that glucocorticoid administration enhances the rates of release of both glutamine and alanine from skeletal muscle of rats (both in vitro and in vivo). This may be due to changes in efflux and/or increased intracellular formation of glutamine and alanine.

The in vitro effect of corticosterone on insulin binding and glucose metabolism in mouse skeletal muscles

1985 ◽  
Vol 63 (9) ◽  
pp. 1133-1138 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. H. Tan ◽  
A. Bonen
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Skeletal Muscles ◽  
Extensor Digitorum Longus ◽  
Insulin Binding ◽  
In Vivo Model ◽  
In Vitro System ◽  
Vitro Effect ◽  
Contralateral Muscle

We studied the in vitro effect of corticosterone on insulin binding, uptake of 2-deoxy-D-glucose, glycolysis, and glycogenesis in the soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) of Swiss–Webster mice. In each experiment, one muscle (soleus/EDL) was incubated with corticosterone (0.1, 1, 50, and 100 μg/mL) and the respective contralateral muscle was incubated without corticosterone, but at the same insulin and pH levels. Corticosterone did not affect insulin binding in both muscles. However, corticosterone decreased the uptake of 2-deoxy-D-glucose and the rate of glycolysis and glycogenesis in both muscles when the dose was pharmacologic (50 and 100 μg/mL), but not when it was physiologic (0.1 and 1 μg/mL). For glycolysis and glycogenesis, the suppression was greater in the EDL when compared with the soleus. This suppression was seen in both basal and insulin-stimulated conditions. In this in vitro system, where the experimental muscle is not exposed to prior hyperinsulinemia as in the in vivo model, corticosterone, at pharmacologic doses, affects postreceptor events without altering the insulin binding in the skeletal muscle.

scholarly journals Microtubules that form the stationary lattice of muscle fibers are dynamic and nucleated at Golgi elements

2013 ◽  
Vol 203 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Oddoux ◽  
Kristien J. Zaal ◽  
Victoria Tate ◽  
Aster Kenea ◽  
Shuktika A. Nandkeolyar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Mouse Muscle ◽  
Muscle Diseases ◽  
Superresolution Microscopy ◽  
Nuclear Membranes ◽  
Organizing Center ◽  
Static Images

Skeletal muscle microtubules (MTs) form a nonclassic grid-like network, which has so far been documented in static images only. We have now observed and analyzed dynamics of GFP constructs of MT and Golgi markers in single live fibers and in the whole mouse muscle in vivo. Using confocal, intravital, and superresolution microscopy, we find that muscle MTs are dynamic, growing at the typical speed of ∼9 µm/min, and forming small bundles that build a durable network. We also show that static Golgi elements, associated with the MT-organizing center proteins γ-tubulin and pericentrin, are major sites of muscle MT nucleation, in addition to the previously identified sites (i.e., nuclear membranes). These data give us a framework for understanding how muscle MTs organize and how they contribute to the pathology of muscle diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

scholarly journals Alternatively spliced exons of the beta tropomyosin gene exhibit different affinities for F-actin and effects with nonmuscle caldesmon

1995 ◽  
Vol 108 (10) ◽  
pp. 3253-3265 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.F. Pittenger ◽  
A. Kistler ◽  
D.M. Helfman
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Insect Cell ◽  
The Other ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Gene Products ◽  
Free Concentration ◽  
Alternatively Spliced ◽  
Beta Gene

The rat beta-tropomyosin (TM) gene expresses two isoforms via alternative RNA splicing, namely skeletal muscle beta-TM and fibroblast TM-1. The latter is also expressed in smooth muscle where it corresponds to smooth muscle beta-TM. Skeletal muscle beta-TM contains exons 7 and 10, whereas exons 6 and 11 are used in fibroblasts and smooth muscle. In order to study the properties of the alternatively spliced proteins, recombinant TMs derived from bacterial and insect cell expression systems were produced, including the normal beta gene products, fibroblast TM-1 and beta skeletal muscle TM, two carboxy-terminal chimeric TMs, TM-6/10 and TM-7/11, as well as a carboxyl-truncated version of each, TM-6Cla and TM-7Cla. The purified TM isoforms were used in actin filament association studies. The apparent TM association constants (Ka) were taken as the free concentration at half saturation and were found to be 6 microM for beta Sk TM, 8.5 for TM-6/10, 25 microM for TM-1, and 30 microM for TM-7/11 at an F-actin concentration of 42 microM. For the truncated TMs, the values determined were higher still but the binding was not carried out to full saturation. Isoforms were also produced using the baculovirus-insect cell system which produces proteins with an acetylated amino terminus as is normally found in vivo. This modification significantly enhanced the F-actin association of TM-1 but not the beta skeletal TM or the other isoforms. Fibroblast TM-2 or TM-3, both products of the alpha gene, enhanced the affinity of TM-1 for F-actin, demonstrating different isoforms can act cooperatively on binding to actin. This effect was not detected with the other expressed beta gene products. The presence of 83 kDa nonmuscle caldesmon was found to enhance the binding of TM-1 for F-actin. This effect was dependent on the presence of both exons 6 and 11, as caldesmon had little effect on the other beta gene products. Collectively these results demonstrate TMs differ in their affinity for F-actin, which can be altered by other TMs or actin-binding proteins. The beta tropomyosin isoforms were fluorescently-tagged and microinjected into cultured cells to study their in vivo localization where it was found that each of the full-length TMs bound to microfilaments but, at the light microscopy level, the isoforms were not differentially localized in these fibroblasts.

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