Myostatin is an important regulator of body composition. Inhibition of myostatin expression in vertebrates increases muscle mass and decreases fat mass. These observations have formed the rationale for the applications of myostatin antagonists for HIV-associated weight loss and visceral obesity, and sarcopenia of aging. However, the mechanisms by which myostatin regulates muscle and fat mass are poorly understood. We will test the hypothesis that myostatin inhibits the differentiation of adult, multipotent mesenchymal progenitor cells into myogenic lineage and promotes their differentiation into adipogenic lineage. We hypothesize that myostatin regulates the differentiation of mesenchymal multipotent cells by activating SMAD pathway and cross-communicating the signal to Wnt pathway through 2 catenin and LEF/TCF-4. We will use both in vivo and in vitro approaches and employ two validated models of mesenchymal, stem cell differentiation, namely, mesenchymal multipotent C3H10T1/2 cells, and marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). We will determine myostatin effects on myogenic and adipogenic differentiation of hMSCs, and assess whether these effects are blocked by anti-myostatin antibody.
Specific Aim 2 will evaluate whether Smad2 and Smad3 act as substrates for myostatin-induced phosphorylation, form complexes with Smad4, which interacts with 2 catenin either directly or through p300.
Specific Aim 3 will determine the effects of myostratin and anti-myostatin antibody on 2 catenin translocation into nucleus, a hallmark of Wnt activation. We will evaluate whether inhibition of 2 catenin by siRNA blocks myostatin effects on Wnt target genes. We will determine whether myostatin down regulates TCF4 transcription and whether inhibition of TCF4 by dominant negative cDNA blocks myostatin effects on hMSC differentiation.
Specific Aim 4 will elucidate changes in intramuscular myostatin expression and signaling associated with SIV-infection and weight loss in a simian model of SIV-associated wasting. We will conduct a randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of a myostatin inhibitor on lean body mass and body weight in SIV-infected macaques experiencing weight loss. These studies will provide unique insights into the mechanisms of myostatin action and unveil novel targets for the discovery of function promoting anabolic therapies. The proposed investigations also will further our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate mesenchymal stem cell differentiation postnatally.

Public Health Relevance

Myostatin is being explored as an attractive target for the discovery of function promoting anabolic therapies for conditions associated with loss of muscle mass and physical function, such as HIV-associated weight loss and wasting, and aging. This project aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which myostatin regulates skeletal muscle and fat mass. We will test the hypothesis that myostatin regulates mesenchymal stem cell differentiation through activation of the TGF-beta/SMAD pathway and cross-communication of the SMAD signal to the Wnt/beta-catenin/TCF-4 pathway and thereby modulating myogenic and adipogenic differentiation.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK078512-04
Application #
8230647
Study Section
AIDS Clinical Studies and Epidemiology Study Section (ACE)
Program Officer
Haft, Carol R
Project Start
2009-03-09
Project End
2014-02-28
Budget Start
2012-03-01
Budget End
2013-02-28
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$781,504
Indirect Cost
$201,466
Name
Boston Medical Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
005492160
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02118
Guo, Wen; Pencina, Karol M; Gagliano-Jucá, Thiago et al. (2018) Effects of an ActRIIB.Fc Ligand Trap on Cardiac Function in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Male Rhesus Macaques. J Endocr Soc 2:817-831
Guo, Wen; Pencina, Karol M; O'Connell, Karyn et al. (2017) Administration of an activin receptor IIB ligand trap protects male juvenile rhesus macaques from simian immunodeficiency virus-associated bone loss. Bone 97:209-215
Guo, Wen; Miller, Andrew D; Pencina, Karol et al. (2016) Joint dysfunction and functional decline in middle age myostatin null mice. Bone 83:141-148
O'Connell, Karyn E; Guo, Wen; Serra, Carlo et al. (2015) The effects of an ActRIIb receptor Fc fusion protein ligand trap in juvenile simian immunodeficiency virus-infected rhesus macaques. FASEB J 29:1165-75
Guo, Wen; Wong, Siu; Bhasin, Shalender (2013) AAV-mediated administration of myostatin pro-peptide mutant in adult Ldlr null mice reduces diet-induced hepatosteatosis and arteriosclerosis. PLoS One 8:e71017
Bhasin, Shalender; Jasuja, Ravi; Tu, Powen et al. (2011) Novel strategies for improving physical function. Horm Res Paediatr 76 Suppl 1:17-23
Tu, Powen; Bhasin, Shalender; Hruz, Paul W et al. (2009) Genetic disruption of myostatin reduces the development of proatherogenic dyslipidemia and atherogenic lesions in Ldlr null mice. Diabetes 58:1739-48
Flanagan, John N; Linder, Kristina; Mejhert, Niklas et al. (2009) Role of follistatin in promoting adipogenesis in women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 94:3003-9
Guo, Wen; Wong, Siu; Pudney, Jeffrey et al. (2009) Acipimox, an inhibitor of lipolysis, attenuates atherogenesis in LDLR-null mice treated with HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 29:2028-32