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

L Wang, L Zhou, P Jiang, L Lu, X Chen, H Lan… - Molecular Therapy, 2012 - cell.com
L Wang, L Zhou, P Jiang, L Lu, X Chen, H Lan, DC Guttridge, H Sun, H Wang
Molecular Therapy, 2012cell.com
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 …
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.
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