Loss of miR-29 in myoblasts contributes to dystrophic muscle pathogenesis

Mol Ther. 2012 Jun;20(6):1222-33. doi: 10.1038/mt.2012.35. Epub 2012 Mar 20.

Abstract

microRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression in post-transcriptional fashion, and emerging studies support their importance in a multitude of physiological and pathological processes. Here, we describe the regulation and function of miR-29 in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and its potential use as therapeutic target. Our results demonstrate that miR-29 expression is downregulated in dystrophic muscles of mdx mice, a model of DMD. Restoration of its expression by intramuscular and intravenous injection improved dystrophy pathology by both promoting regeneration and inhibiting fibrogenesis. Mechanistic studies revealed that loss of miR-29 in muscle precursor cells (myoblasts) promotes their transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts through targeting extracellular molecules including collagens and microfibrillar-associated protein 5 (Mfap5). We further demonstrated that miR-29 is under negative regulation by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling. Together, these results not only identify TGF-β-miR-29 as a novel regulatory axis during myoblasts conversion into myofibroblasts which constitutes a novel contributing route to muscle fibrogenesis of DMD but also implicate miR-29 replacement therapy as a promising treatment approach for DMD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Transdifferentiation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Down-Regulation / genetics
  • Extracellular Matrix / genetics
  • Fibrosis / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred mdx
  • MicroRNAs / administration & dosage
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Models, Biological
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / genetics*
  • Myoblasts / cytology
  • Myoblasts / metabolism*
  • Myofibroblasts / cytology
  • Regeneration
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism

Substances

  • MIRN29 microRNA, mouse
  • MicroRNAs
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta