DYSTROPHIC-ECM | Active role of skeletal muscle extracellular matrix in muscular dystrophies

Summary
Most of the muscular dystrophies (MDs) are due to defects the trans-membrane protein complex called Dystro-Glycan
Complex, which is a structural and functional bridge between myofiber contractile apparatus and extracellular matrix
(ECM).MD research is focused upon the cellular mechanisms of the pathology and there is a lack of information about how
ECM molecules can affect MDs, although alteration in ECM composition is acknowledged since fibrosis is an important bad
outcome in the patients.Our hypothesis is that alterations in dystrophic muscle ECM directly account for mechanisms which
negatively affect skeletal muscle homeostasis.The goal of the project is to identify alterations in ECM compromised by
muscular dystrophy and to investigate their effects on cell behavior.Mdx mouse (model for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy)
and Sarcoglycan-β-null mouse (model for Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2E) will be used.To obtain the ECMs we will take
advantage of decellularization approach that removes the cellular components while maintaining the molecular and structural
features as closer as possible to the native ECM.In tissue engineering the use of ECM biomaterials demonstrated that ECM
plays a fundamental, active role in tissue remodeling by growth factors release and ECM degradation product
action.Molecular alterations in the ECM composition will be investigated by proteomics that assures an accurate and
exhaustive characterization.ECM will be used as 3D environment to study its functions in the behavior of primary cells
involved in the pathology: myogenic stem cells, endothelial cells, fibro-adipogenic precursors and macrophages.Discovering
how alterations in dystrophic muscle ECM affect myogenesis, angiogenesis, fibrosis and inflammatory response will be of
paramount importance for a better understanding of MDs.Changing the focus of the research from the cells to the ECM, this
study will provide a new point of view and could contribute to identify new therapeutic targets.
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More information & hyperlinks
Web resources: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/891620
Start date: 01-07-2021
End date: 31-03-2025
Total budget - Public funding: 295 061,76 Euro - 295 061,00 Euro
Cordis data

Original description

Most of the muscular dystrophies (MDs) are due to defects the trans-membrane protein complex called Dystro-Glycan
Complex, which is a structural and functional bridge between myofiber contractile apparatus and extracellular matrix
(ECM).MD research is focused upon the cellular mechanisms of the pathology and there is a lack of information about how
ECM molecules can affect MDs, although alteration in ECM composition is acknowledged since fibrosis is an important bad
outcome in the patients.Our hypothesis is that alterations in dystrophic muscle ECM directly account for mechanisms which
negatively affect skeletal muscle homeostasis.The goal of the project is to identify alterations in ECM compromised by
muscular dystrophy and to investigate their effects on cell behavior.Mdx mouse (model for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy)
and Sarcoglycan-β-null mouse (model for Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2E) will be used.To obtain the ECMs we will take
advantage of decellularization approach that removes the cellular components while maintaining the molecular and structural
features as closer as possible to the native ECM.In tissue engineering the use of ECM biomaterials demonstrated that ECM
plays a fundamental, active role in tissue remodeling by growth factors release and ECM degradation product
action.Molecular alterations in the ECM composition will be investigated by proteomics that assures an accurate and
exhaustive characterization.ECM will be used as 3D environment to study its functions in the behavior of primary cells
involved in the pathology: myogenic stem cells, endothelial cells, fibro-adipogenic precursors and macrophages.Discovering
how alterations in dystrophic muscle ECM affect myogenesis, angiogenesis, fibrosis and inflammatory response will be of
paramount importance for a better understanding of MDs.Changing the focus of the research from the cells to the ECM, this
study will provide a new point of view and could contribute to identify new therapeutic targets.

Status

TERMINATED

Call topic

MSCA-IF-2019

Update Date

28-04-2024
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Horizon 2020
H2020-EU.1. EXCELLENT SCIENCE
H2020-EU.1.3. EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
H2020-EU.1.3.2. Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
MSCA-IF-2019