Pharmacological PIK3C2B inhibition rescues XLMTM phenotype in mouse models and identifies molecular markers of disease

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Abstract

X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) is a rare genetic disorder that typically presents at birth with progressive muscle weakness and respiratory difficulties and is caused by myotubularin 1 (MTM1) gene mutations. Here, we examine the role of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 2-β (PIK3C2B), a lipid kinase that interacts with MTM1, in XLMTM in various models. We examined the effect of BLU3797, a highly potent, selective, orally bioavailable PIK3C2B inhibitor, on survival, muscle development, myofiber phenotypes, and gene expression in MTM1–/y mice. PIK3C2B-deficient XLMTM animals demonstrated increased survival, restored muscle function, fewer myofibers with centralized nuclei, and normalization of disease-associated molecular markers. BLU3797 alleviated the XLMTM phenotype in a dose-dependent and reversible manner. Loss of functional PIK3C2B in XLMTM mice promoted a more differentiated, adult-like myofiber profile, which was strongly associated with normalization of disease surrogates and a reduction in markers of early muscle development and regeneration. BLU3797 treatment appears to modulate the expression of miRNAs associated with satellite cell activation and myofiber fusion. These findings indicate that PIK3C2B inhibition with BLU3797 effectively reverses the XLMTM disease phenotype by enhancing muscle function and promoting development toward a more mature state.

Authors

Andrew Shearer, Melissa L. Brooks, Maxine M. Chen, Thiwanka Samarakoon, John Hsieh, Gramoz Kondakci, Emanuele Perola, Jason Brubaker, Kristina Fetalvero, Stefanie Schalm, Joana Caetano-Lopes