Systemic Delivery of a Monoclonal Antibody to Immunologically Block Myostatin in the A17 Mouse Model of OPMD

Alberto Malerba, Pradeep Harish, Linda Popplewell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is a late-onset rare muscle disease affecting approximately 1 in 80,000 individuals worldwide. However, it can affect as much as 1:600 individuals in some populations due to a strong founder effect. The muscle pathology is characterized by progressive eyelid drooping (ptosis), swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), and limb weakness at later stages of disease progression. The genetic defect is associated with significant fibrotic deposition and atrophy in affected muscles. No treatments are available to cure the disease. Only surgical techniques to correct ptosis and swallowing are currently possible, though they carry a risk of recurrence. Myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle growth, and several strategies to downregulate its expression have been developed with the aim of improving muscle mass and strength in muscular pathologies. We recently showed that weekly systemic treatment of the A17 murine model of OPMD with a monoclonal antibody for myostatin improves body and muscle mass, increases muscle strength, and reduces muscle fibrosis. Here, we describe the methodology for repeated intraperitoneal delivery of myostatin antibody in the murine model. Furthermore, we detail the most relevant analyses to assess histopathological and functional improvements of this treatment in this mouse model.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMethods in Molecular Biology
PublisherHumana Press Inc.
Pages557-568
Number of pages12
Volume2587
ISBN (Electronic)9781071627723
ISBN (Print)9781071627716
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Nov 2022

Publication series

NameMethods in Molecular Biology
Volume2587
ISSN (Print)1064-3745
ISSN (Electronic)1940-6029

Bibliographical note

© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

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