Engraftment of embryonic stem cell-derived myogenic progenitors in a dominant model of muscular dystrophy

Exp Neurol. 2009 Nov;220(1):212-6. doi: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2009.08.002. Epub 2009 Aug 13.

Abstract

Muscular dystrophies (MDs) consist of a genetically heterogeneous group of disorders, recessive or dominant, characterized by progressive skeletal muscle weakening. To date, no effective treatment is available. Experimental strategies pursuing muscle regeneration through the transplantation of stem cell preparations have brought hope to patients affected by this disorder. Efficacy has been demonstrated in recessive MD models through contribution of wild-type nuclei to the muscle fiber heterokaryon; however, to date, there has been no study investigating the efficacy of a cell therapy in a dominant model of MD. We have recently demonstrated that Pax3-induced embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived myogenic progenitors are able to engraft and improve muscle function in mdx mice, a recessive mouse model for Duchenne MD. To assess whether this therapeutic effect can be extended to a dominant type of muscle disorder, here we transplanted these cells into FRG1 transgenic mice, a dominant model that has been associated with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Our results show that Pax3-induced ES-derived myogenic progenitors are capable of significant engraftment after intramuscular or systemic transplantation into Frg1 mice. Analyses of contractile parameters revealed functional improvement in treated muscles of male mice, but not females, which are less severely affected. This study is the first to use Frg1 transgenic mice to assess muscle regeneration as well as to support the use of a cell-based therapy for autosomal dominant types of MD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Genes, Dominant / genetics
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / pharmacology
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Muscle Development / genetics
  • Muscle Weakness / genetics
  • Muscle Weakness / metabolism
  • Muscle Weakness / surgery
  • Muscle, Skeletal / cytology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / surgery*
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Animal / genetics
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Animal / metabolism
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Animal / surgery*
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • PAX3 Transcription Factor
  • Paired Box Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Paired Box Transcription Factors / pharmacology
  • Paired Box Transcription Factors / therapeutic use
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Regeneration / genetics
  • Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle / cytology
  • Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle / metabolism*
  • Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle / transplantation*
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • FRG1 protein, human
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • PAX3 Transcription Factor
  • Paired Box Transcription Factors
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Pax3 protein, mouse