Nemaline myopathy-related skeletal muscle α-actin (ACTA1) mutation, Asp286Gly, prevents proper strong myosin binding and triggers muscle weakness

PLoS One. 2012;7(9):e45923. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045923. Epub 2012 Sep 20.

Abstract

Many mutations in the skeletal muscle α-actin gene (ACTA1) lead to muscle weakness and nemaline myopathy. Despite increasing clinical and scientific interest, the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of weakness remains unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed at unraveling these mechanisms using muscles from a transgenic mouse model of nemaline myopathy expressing the ACTA1 Asp286Gly mutation. We recorded and analyzed the mechanics of membrane-permeabilized single muscle fibers. We also performed molecular energy state computations in the presence or absence of Asp286Gly. Results demonstrated that during contraction, the Asp286Gly acts as a "poison-protein" and according to the computational analysis it modifies the actin-actin interface. This phenomenon is likely to prevent proper myosin cross-bridge binding, limiting the fraction of actomyosin interactions in the strong binding state. At the cell level, this decreases the force-generating capacity, and, overall, induces muscle weakness. To counterbalance such negative events, future potential therapeutic strategies may focus on the inappropriate actin-actin interface or myosin binding.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / genetics*
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Models, Molecular
  • Muscle Contraction
  • Muscle Weakness / genetics*
  • Muscle Weakness / metabolism
  • Muscle Weakness / physiopathology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Myopathies, Nemaline / genetics*
  • Myopathies, Nemaline / metabolism
  • Myopathies, Nemaline / physiopathology
  • Myosins / metabolism*
  • Point Mutation*

Substances

  • Actins
  • Myosins

Grants and funding

This study was supported by grants from the Swedish Research Council (Dnr2009-2277) and Harald och Greta Jeanssons Stiftelse to J.O., from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council to G.R. (APP1035955) and N.G.L (APP1002147), the Australian Research Council to K.J.N. (FT100100734) and A Foundation Building Strength for Nemaline Myopathy. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.