Dystrophin-associated Protein Research Articles

Basement membrane diversification relies on two competitive secretory routes defined by Rab10 and Rab8 and modulated by dystrophin and the exocyst complex.

The basement membrane (BM) is an essential structural element of tissues, and its diversification participates in organ morphogenesis. However, the traffic routes associated with BM formation and the mechanistic modulations explaining its diversification are still poorly understood. Drosophila melanogaster follicular epithelium relies on a BM composed of oriented BM fibrils and a more homogenous matrix. Here, we determined the specific molecular identity and cell exit sites of BM protein secretory routes. First, we found that Rab10 and Rab8 define two parallel routes for BM protein secretion. When both routes were abolished, BM production was fully blocked; however, genetic interactions revealed that these two routes competed. Rab10 promoted lateral and planar-polarized secretion, whereas Rab8 promoted basal secretion, leading to the formation of BM fibrils and homogenous BM, respectively. We also found that the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC) and Rab10 were both present in a planar-polarized tubular compartment containing BM proteins. DAPC was essential for fibril formation and sufficient to reorient secretion towards the Rab10 route. Moreover, we identified a dual function for the exocyst complex in this context. First, the Exo70 subunit directly interacted with dystrophin to limit its planar polarization. Second, the exocyst complex was also required for the Rab8 route. Altogether, these results highlight important mechanistic aspects of BM protein secretion and illustrate how BM diversity can emerge from the spatial control of distinct traffic routes.

Remote ischemic preconditioning prevents sarcolemmal-associated proteolysis by MMP-2 inhibition.

The death of myocytes occurs through different pathways, but the rupture of the plasma membrane is the key point in the transition from reversible to irreversible injury. In the myocytes, three major groups of structural proteins that link the extracellular and intracellular milieus and confer structural stability to the cell membrane: the dystrophin-associated protein complex, the vinculin-integrin link, and the spectrin-based submembranous cytoskeleton. The objective was to determine if remote ischemic preconditioning (rIPC) preserves membrane-associated cytoskeletal proteins (dystrophin and β-dystroglycan) through the inhibition of metalloproteinase type 2 (MMP-2) activity. A second objective was to describe some of the intracellular signals of the rIPC, that modify mitochondrial function at the early reperfusion. Isolated rat hearts were subjected to 30min of global ischemia and 120min of reperfusion (I/R). rIPC was performed by 3 cycles of ischemia/reperfusion in the lower limb (rIPC). rIPC significantly decreased the infarct size, induced Akt/GSK-3 β phosphorylation and inhibition of the MPTP opening. rIPC improved mitochondrial function, increasing membrane potential, ATP production and respiratory control. I/R increased ONOO- production, which activates MMP-2. This enzyme degrades β-dystroglycan and dystrophin and collaborates to sarcolemmal disruption. rIPC attenuates the breakdown of β-dystroglycan and dystrophin through the inhibition of MMP-2 activity. Furthermore, we confirm that rIPC activates different intracellular pathway that involves the an Akt/Gsk3β and MPTP pore with preservation of mitochondrial function.

Evolution and developmental functions of the dystrophin-associated protein complex: beyond the idea of a muscle-specific cell adhesion complex.

The Dystrophin-Associated Protein Complex (DAPC) is a well-defined and evolutionarily conserved complex in animals. DAPC interacts with the F-actin cytoskeleton via dystrophin, and with the extracellular matrix via the membrane protein dystroglycan. Probably for historical reasons that have linked its discovery to muscular dystrophies, DAPC function is often described as limited to muscle integrity maintenance by providing mechanical robustness, which implies strong cell-extracellular matrix adhesion properties. In this review, phylogenetic and functional data from different vertebrate and invertebrate models will be analyzed and compared to explore the molecular and cellular functions of DAPC, with a specific focus on dystrophin. These data reveals that the evolution paths of DAPC and muscle cells are not intrinsically linked and that many features of dystrophin protein domains have not been identified yet. DAPC adhesive properties also are discussed by reviewing the available evidence of common key features of adhesion complexes, such as complex clustering, force transmission, mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction. Finally, the review highlights DAPC developmental roles in tissue morphogenesis and basement membrane (BM) assembly that may indicate adhesion-independent functions.

The Implication of Hinge 1 and Hinge 4 in Micro-Dystrophin Gene Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscle disease caused by dystrophin deficiency. Dystrophin consists of the amino terminus, central rod domain with 24 spectrin-like repeats and four hinges (H), cysteine-rich domain, and carboxyl terminus. Several highly abbreviated micro-dystrophins (μDys) are currently in clinical trials. They all carry H1 and H4. In this study, we investigated whether these two hinges are essential for μDy function in murine DMD models. Three otherwise identical μDys were engineered to contain H1 and/or H4 and were named H1/H4 (with both H1 and H4), ΔH1 (without H1), and ΔH4 (without H4). These constructs were packaged in adeno-associated virus serotype-9 and delivered to the tibialis anterior muscle of 3-month-old male mdx4cv mice (1E12 vector genome particles/muscle). Three months later, we detected equivalent μDys expression in total muscle lysate. However, only H1/H4 and ΔH1 showed correct sarcolemmal localization. ΔH4 mainly existed as sarcoplasmic aggregates. H1/H4 and ΔH1, but not ΔH4, fully restored the dystrophin-associated protein complex and significantly improved the specific muscle force. Eccentric contraction-induced force decline was best protected by H1/H4, followed by ΔH1, but not by ΔH4. Next, we compared H1/H4 and ΔH1 in 6-week-old male mdx mice by intravenous injection (1E13 vector genome particles/mouse). Four months postinjection, H1/H4 significantly outperformed ΔH1 in extensor digitorum longus muscle force measurements but two constructs yielded comparable electrocardiography improvements. We conclude that H4 is essential for μDys function and H1 facilitates force production. Our findings will help develop next-generation μDys gene therapy.

Innovative Computerized Dystrophin Quantification Method Based on Spectral Confocal Microscopy

Several clinical trials are working on drug development for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD and BMD) treatment, and, since the expected increase in dystrophin is relatively subtle, high-sensitivity quantification methods are necessary. There is also a need to quantify dystrophin to reach a definitive diagnosis in individuals with mild BMD, and in female carriers. We developed a method for the quantification of dystrophin in DMD and BMD patients using spectral confocal microscopy. It offers the possibility to capture the whole emission spectrum for any antibody, ensuring the selection of the emission peak and allowing the detection of fluorescent emissions of very low intensities. Fluorescence was evaluated first on manually selected regions of interest (ROIs), proving the usefulness of the methodology. Later, ROI selection was automated to make it operator-independent. The proposed methodology correctly classified patients according to their diagnosis, detected even minimal traces of dystrophin, and the results obtained automatically were statistically comparable to the manual ones. Thus, spectral imaging could be implemented to measure dystrophin expression and it could pave the way for detailed analysis of how its expression relates to the clinical course. Studies could be further expanded to better understand the expression of dystrophin-associated protein complexes (DAPCs).

Ion Channels of the Sarcolemma and Intracellular Organelles in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Role in the Dysregulation of Ion Homeostasis and a Possible Target for Therapy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by the absence of the dystrophin protein and a properly functioning dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC) in muscle cells. DAPC components act as molecular scaffolds coordinating the assembly of various signaling molecules including ion channels. DMD shows a significant change in the functioning of the ion channels of the sarcolemma and intracellular organelles and, above all, the sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria regulating ion homeostasis, which is necessary for the correct excitation and relaxation of muscles. This review is devoted to the analysis of current data on changes in the structure, functioning, and regulation of the activity of ion channels in striated muscles in DMD and their contribution to the disruption of muscle function and the development of pathology. We note the prospects of therapy based on targeting the channels of the sarcolemma and organelles for the correction and alleviation of pathology, and the problems that arise in the interpretation of data obtained on model dystrophin-deficient objects.

Systemic γ-sarcoglycan AAV gene transfer results in dose-dependent correction of muscle deficits in the LGMD 2C/R5 mouse model

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) type 2C/R5 results from mutations in the γ-sarcoglycan (SGCG) gene and is characterized by muscle weakness and progressive wasting. Loss of functional γ-sarcoglycan protein in the dystrophin-associated protein complex destabilizes the sarcolemma, leading to eventual myofiber death. The SGCG knockout mouse (SGCG -/-) has clinical-pathological features that replicate the human disease, making it an ideal model for translational studies. We designed a self-complementary rAAVrh74 vector containing a codon-optimized human SGCG transgene driven by the muscle-specific MHCK7 promoter (SRP-9005) to investigate adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated SGCG gene transfer in SGCG -/- mice as proof of principle for LGMD 2C/R5. Gene transfer therapy resulted in widespread transgene expression in skeletal muscle and heart, improvements in muscle histopathology characterized by decreased central nuclei and fibrosis, and normalized fiber size. Histopathologic improvements were accompanied by functional improvements, including increased ambulation and force production and resistance to injury of the tibialis anterior and diaphragm muscles. This study demonstrates successful systemic delivery of the hSGCG transgene in SGCG -/- mice, with functional protein expression, reconstitution of the sarcoglycan complex, and corresponding physiological and functional improvements, which will help establish a minimal effective dose for translation of SRP-9005 gene transfer therapy in patients with LGMD 2C/R5.

Assessing the Role of Aquaporin 4 in Skeletal Muscle Function.

Water transport across the biological membranes is mediated by aquaporins (AQPs). AQP4 and AQP1 are the predominantly expressed AQPs in the skeletal muscle. Since the discovery of AQP4, several studies have highlighted reduced AQP4 levels in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients and mouse models, and other neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) such as sarcoglycanopathies and dysferlinopathies. AQP4 loss is attributed to the destabilizing dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC) in DMD leading to compromised water permeability in the skeletal muscle fibers. However, AQP4 knockout (KO) mice appear phenotypically normal. AQP4 ablation does not impair physical activity in mice but limits them from achieving the performance demonstrated by wild-type mice. AQP1 levels were found to be upregulated in DMD models and are thought to compensate for AQP4 loss. Several groups investigated the expression of other AQPs in the skeletal muscle; however, these findings remain controversial. In this review, we summarize the role of AQP4 with respect to skeletal muscle function and findings in NMDs as well as the implications from a clinical perspective.

Histological Methods to Assess Skeletal Muscle Degeneration and Regeneration in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive disease caused by the loss of function of the protein dystrophin. This protein contributes to the stabilisation of striated cells during contraction, as it anchors the cytoskeleton with components of the extracellular matrix through the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC). Moreover, absence of the functional protein affects the expression and function of proteins within the DAPC, leading to molecular events responsible for myofibre damage, muscle weakening, disability and, eventually, premature death. Presently, there is no cure for DMD, but different treatments help manage some of the symptoms. Advances in genetic and exon-skipping therapies are the most promising intervention, the safety and efficiency of which are tested in animal models. In addition to in vivo functional tests, ex vivo molecular evaluation aids assess to what extent the therapy has contributed to the regenerative process. In this regard, the later advances in microscopy and image acquisition systems and the current expansion of antibodies for immunohistological evaluation together with the development of different spectrum fluorescent dyes have made histology a crucial tool. Nevertheless, the complexity of the molecular events that take place in dystrophic muscles, together with the rise of a multitude of markers for each of the phases of the process, makes the histological assessment a challenging task. Therefore, here, we summarise and explain the rationale behind different histological techniques used in the literature to assess degeneration and regeneration in the field of dystrophinopathies, focusing especially on those related to DMD.

The importance of dystrophin and the dystrophin associated proteins in vascular smooth muscle.

This review details the role of dystrophin and the dystrophin associated proteins (DAPs) in the vascular smooth muscle. Dystrophin is most comprehensively studied in the skeletal muscle due to serious symptoms found related to the skeletal muscle of patients with muscular dystrophy. Mutations in the dystrophin gene, or DAPs genes, result in a wide range of muscular dystrophies. In skeletal muscle, dystrophin is known to act to as a cytoskeletal stabilization protein and protects cells against contraction-induced damage. In skeletal muscle, dystrophin stabilizes the plasma membrane by transmitting forces generated by sarcomeric contraction to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Dystrophin is a scaffold that binds the dystroglycan complex (DGC) and has many associated proteins (DAPs). These DAPs include sarcoglycans, syntrophins, dystroglycans, dystrobrevin, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, and caveolins. The DAPs provide biomechanical support to the skeletal or cardiac plasma membrane during contraction, and loss of one or several of these DAPs leads to plasma membrane fragility. Dystrophin is expressed near the plasma membrane of all muscles, including cardiac and vascular smooth muscle, and some neurons. Dystrophic mice have noted biomechanical irregularities in the carotid arteries and spontaneous motor activity in portal vein altered when compared to wild type mice. Additionally, some studies suggest the vasculature of patients and animal models with muscular dystrophy is abnormal. Although the function of dystrophin and the DAPs in vascular smooth muscle is not thoroughly established in the field, this review makes the point that these proteins are expressed, and important and further study is warranted.

Characterization of the dystrophin-associated protein complex by mass spectrometry.

The dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC) is a highly organized multiprotein complex that plays a pivotal role in muscle fiber structure integrity and cell signaling. The complex is composed of three distinct interacting subgroups, intracellular peripheral proteins, transmembrane glycoproteins, and extracellular glycoproteins subcomplexes. Dystrophin protein nucleates the DAPC and is important for connecting the intracellular actin cytoskeletal filaments to the sarcolemma glycoprotein complex that is connected to the extracellular matrix via laminin, thus stabilizing the sarcolemma during muscle fiber contraction and relaxation. Genetic mutations that lead to lack of expression or altered expression of any of the DAPC proteins are associated with different types of muscle diseases. Hence characterization of this complex in healthy and dystrophic muscle might bring insights into its role in muscle pathogenesis. This review highlights the role of mass spectrometry in characterizing the DAPC interactome as well as post-translational glycan modifications of some of its components such as α-dystroglycan. Detection and quantification of dystrophin using targeted mass spectrometry are also discussed in the context of healthy versus dystrophic skeletal muscle.

α-Dystrobrevin knockout mice have increased motivation for appetitive reward and altered brain cannabinoid receptor 1 expression

α-Dystrobrevin (α-DB) is a major component of the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC). Knockout (KO) of α-DB in the brain is associated with astrocytic abnormalities and loss of neuronal GABA receptor clustering. Mutations in DAPC proteins are associated with altered dopamine signaling and cognitive and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. This study tested the hypothesis that motivation and associated underlying biological pathways are altered in the absence of α-DB expression. Male wildtype and α-DB KO mice were tested for measures of motivation, executive function and extinction in the rodent touchscreen apparatus. Subsequently, brain tissues were evaluated for mRNA and/or protein levels of dysbindin-1, dopamine transporter and receptor 1 and 2, mu opioid receptor 1 (mOR1) and cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1). α-DB KO mice had significantly increased motivation for the appetitive reward, while measures of executive function and extinction were unaffected. No differences were observed between wildtype and KO animals on mRNA levels of dysbindin-1 or any of the dopamine markers. mRNA levels of mOR1were significantly decreased in the caudate-putamen and nucleus accumbens of α-DB KO compared to WT animals, but protein levels were unaltered. However, CB1 protein levels were significantly increased in the prefrontal cortex and decreased in the nucleus accumbens of α-DB KO mice. Triple-labelling immunohistochemistry confirmed that changes in CB1 were not specific to astrocytes. These results highlight a novel role for α-DB in the regulation of appetitive motivation that may have implications for other behaviours that involve the dopaminergic and endocannabinoid systems.

Canonical Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling Regulates Expression of Aquaporin-4 and Its Anchoring Complex in Mouse Astrocytes.

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is the predominant water channel in the brain; it is enriched in astrocytic foot processes abutting vessels where it is anchored through an interaction with the dystrophin-associated protein (DAP) complex. Enhanced expression with concomitant mislocalization of AQP4 along astrocyte plasma membranes is a hallmark of several neurological conditions. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify which signaling pathways dictate AQP4 microdistribution. Here we show that canonical bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), particularly BMP2 and 4, upregulate AQP4 expression in astrocytes and dysregulate the associated DAP complex by differentially affecting its individual members. We further demonstrate the presence of BMP receptors and Smad1/5/9 pathway activation in BMP treated astrocytes. Our analysis of adult mouse brain reveals BMP2 and 4 in neurons and in a subclass of endothelial cells and activated Smad1/5/9 in astrocytes. We conclude that the canonical BMP-signaling pathway might be responsible for regulating the expression of AQP4 and of DAP complex proteins that govern the subcellular compartmentation of this aquaporin.

Localized TPC1-mediated Ca2+ release from endolysosomes contributes to myoseptal junction development in zebrafish.

In the trunk of developing zebrafish embryos, adjacent myotome blocks transmit contractile force via myoseptal junctions (MJs), which are dynamic structures that connect the actin cytoskeleton of skeletal muscle cells to extracellular matrix components via transmembrane protein complexes in the sarcolemma. Here, we report that the endolysosomal ion channel, two-pore channel type 1 (TPC1, encoded by tpcn1), generates highly localized non-propagating Ca2+ transients that play a distinct and required role in the capture and attachment of superficial slow skeletal muscle cells at MJs. Use of antisense morpholinos or CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to disrupt tpcn1 gene expression resulted in abnormal MJ phenotypes, including slow skeletal muscle cells detaching from or crossing the myosepta. We also report that TPC1-decorated endolysosomes are dynamically associated with MJs in a microtubule-dependent manner, and that attenuating tpcn1 expression or TPC1 function disrupted endolysosomal trafficking and resulted in an abnormal distribution of β-dystroglycan (encoded by dag1; a key transmembrane component of the dystrophin-associated protein complex). Taken together, our data suggest that localized TPC1-generated Ca2+ signals facilitate essential endolysosomal trafficking and membrane contact events, which help form and maintain MJs following the onset of slow skeletal muscle cell contractile activity. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Determinants of epigenetic resistance to HDAC inhibitors in dystrophic fibro-adipogenic progenitors.

Pharmacological treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) is currently being tested in clinical trials; however, pre‐clinical studies indicated that the beneficial effects of HDACi are restricted to early stages of disease. We show that FAPs from late‐stage mdx mice exhibit aberrant HDAC activity and genome‐wide alterations of histone acetylation that are not fully reversed by HDACi. In particular, combinatorial H3K27 and/or H3K9/14 hypo‐acetylation at promoters of genes required for cell cycle activation and progression, as well as glycolysis, are associated with their downregulation in late‐stage mdx FAPs. These alterations could not be reversed by HDACi, due to a general resistance to HDACi‐induced H3K9/14 hyperacetylation. Conversely, H3K9/14 hyper‐acetylation at promoters of Senescence Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) genes is associated with their upregulation in late‐stage mdx FAPs; however, HDACi could reduce promoter acetylation and blunt SASP gene activation. These data reveal that during DMD progression FAPs develop disease‐associated features reminiscent of cellular senescence, through epigenetically distinct and pharmacologically dissociable events. They also indicate that HDACi might retain anti‐fibrotic effects at late stages of DMD.

Evaluation of the dystrophin carboxy-terminal domain for micro-dystrophin gene therapy in cardiac and skeletal muscles in the DMDmdx rat model.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a muscle wasting disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin. Gene therapy using micro-dystrophin (MD) transgenes and recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors hold great promise. To overcome the limited packaging capacity of rAAV vectors, most MD do not include dystrophin carboxy-terminal (CT) domain. Yet, the CT domain is known to recruit α1- and β1-syntrophins and α-dystrobrevin, a part of the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC), which is a signaling and structural mediator of muscle cells. In this study, we explored the impact of inclusion of the dystrophin CT domain on ΔR4-23/ΔCT MD (MD1), in DMDmdx rats, which allows for relevant evaluations at muscular and cardiac levels. We showed by LC-MS/MS that MD1 expression is sufficient to restore the interactions at a physiological level of most DAPC partners in skeletal and cardiac muscles, and that inclusion of the CT domain increases the recruitment of some DAPC partners at supra-physiological levels. In parallel, we demonstrated that inclusion of the CT domain does not improve MD1 therapeutic efficacy on DMD muscle and cardiac pathologies. Our work highlights new evidences of the therapeutic potential of MD1 and strengthens the relevance of this candidate for gene therapy of DMD.

Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)-Mediated Gene Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: The Issue of Transgene Persistence.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive, infancy-onset neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, leading to delay of motor milestones, loss of autonomous ambulation, respiratory failure, cardiomyopathy, and premature death. DMD originates from mutations in the DMD gene that result in a complete absence of dystrophin. Dystrophin is a cytoskeletal protein which belongs to the dystrophin-associated protein complex, involved in cellular signaling and myofiber membrane stabilization. To date, the few available therapeutic options are aimed at lessening disease progression, but persistent loss of muscle tissue and function and premature death are unavoidable. In this scenario, one of the most promising therapeutic strategies for DMD is represented by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy. DMD gene therapy relies on the administration of exogenous micro-dystrophin, a miniature version of the dystrophin gene lacking unnecessary domains and encoding a truncated, but functional, dystrophin protein. Limited transgene persistence represents one of the most significant issues that jeopardize the translatability of DMD gene replacement strategies from the bench to the bedside. Here, we critically review preclinical and clinical studies of AAV-mediated gene therapy in DMD, focusing on long-term transgene persistence in transduced tissues, which can deeply affect effectiveness and sustainability of gene replacement in DMD. We also discuss the role played by the overactivation of the immune host system in limiting long-term expression of genetic material. In this perspective, further studies aimed at better elucidating the need for immune suppression in AAV-treated subjects are warranted in order to allow for life-long therapy in DMD patients.

A Dystrophin Exon-52 Deleted Miniature Pig Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Evaluation of Exon Skipping.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal X-linked recessive disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene and the subsequent lack of dystrophin protein. Recently, phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO)-antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting exon 51 or 53 to reestablish the DMD reading frame have received regulatory approval as commercially available drugs. However, their applicability and efficacy remain limited to particular patients. Large animal models and exon skipping evaluation are essential to facilitate ASO development together with a deeper understanding of dystrophinopathies. Using recombinant adeno-associated virus-mediated gene targeting and somatic cell nuclear transfer, we generated a Yucatan miniature pig model of DMD with an exon 52 deletion mutation equivalent to one of the most common mutations seen in patients. Exon 52-deleted mRNA expression and dystrophin deficiency were confirmed in the skeletal and cardiac muscles of DMD pigs. Accordingly, dystrophin-associated proteins failed to be recruited to the sarcolemma. The DMD pigs manifested early disease onset with severe bodywide skeletal muscle degeneration and with poor growth accompanied by a physical abnormality, but with no obvious cardiac phenotype. We also demonstrated that in primary DMD pig skeletal muscle cells, the genetically engineered exon-52 deleted pig DMD gene enables the evaluation of exon 51 or 53 skipping with PMO and its advanced technology, peptide-conjugated PMO. The results show that the DMD pigs developed here can be an appropriate large animal model for evaluating in vivo exon skipping efficacy.

Unravelling protein turnover in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: one protein at a time.

Unravelling protein turnover in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: one protein at a time.

Incomplete Assembly of the Dystrophin-Associated Protein Complex in 2D and 3D-Cultured Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes.

Human induced pluripotent stem cells derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) are increasingly used to study genetic diseases on a human background. However, the lack of a fully mature adult cardiomyocyte phenotype of hiPSC-CM may be limiting the scope of these studies. Muscular dystrophies and concomitant cardiomyopathies result from mutations in genes encoding proteins of the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC), which is a multi-protein membrane-spanning complex. We examined the expression of DAPC components in hiPSC-CM, which underwent maturation in 2D and 3D culture protocols. The results were compared with human adult cardiac tissue and isolated cardiomyocytes. We found that similarly to adult cardiomyocytes, hiPSC-CM express dystrophin, in line with previous studies on Duchenne’s disease. β-dystroglycan was also expressed, but, contrary to findings in adult cardiomyocytes, none of the sarcoglycans nor α-dystroglycan were, despite the presence of their mRNA. In conclusion, despite the robust expression of dystrophin, the absence of several other DAPC protein components cautions for reliance on commonly used protocols for hiPSC-CM maturation for functional assessment of the complete DAPC.