Derivation and Characterization of Pax7 Positive Skeletal Muscle Precursor Cells from Control and HGPS-derived induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Abstract

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a rare genetic disorder associated with premature aging in various tissues and organs of the afflicted individuals, including accelerated skeletal muscle atrophy. Classical HGPS manifests due to single-base substitution in the LAMNA gene which encodes Lamin A/C proteins. As a result of the mutation, a truncated form of Lamin (known as Progerin) is produced which undergoes persistent farnesylation during post-translational modification. Accumulation of Progerin in the nucleus has been linked to various cellular abnormalities including abnormal nuclear morphologies and altered chromatin organization, among others. However, the exact molecular mechanisms leading to skeletal muscle atrophy have not yet been elucidated. In this study, the iPSC approach was implemented in order to study the skeletal muscle phenotype of HGPS by generating and characterizing a population of Pax7 positive skeletal muscle precursor cells (SMPs). During the course of this project, we have demonstrated the need for excessive optimization of the previously developed directed differentiation protocol for successful application on induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Furthermore, we have successfully modified the protocol to allow for a more rapid expansion of the SMPs through regular passaging of the myogenic cells starting on day 20 of differentiation. Additionally, this new method produced more uniform distribution of the myogenic cells and allowed for successful freezing/thawing of the myogenic cells. When compared to the controls, the HGPS-derived SMPs did not appear to be defective in formation, proliferation or differentiation. Abnormal nuclear morphology and DNA damage, documented in HGPS fibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells, were not detected the in myogenic cells. Furthermore, we were not able to detect Progerin protein accumulation in the generated myogenic cultures, offering an explanation for the absence of these phenotypes in the skeletal muscle system.