Genetic dissection of novel myopathy models reveals a role of CapZα and Leiomodin 3 during myofibril elongation

PLoS Genet. 2022 Feb 11;18(2):e1010066. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010066. eCollection 2022 Feb.

Abstract

Myofibrils within skeletal muscle are composed of sarcomeres that generate force by contraction when their myosin-rich thick filaments slide past actin-based thin filaments. Although mutations in components of the sarcomere are a major cause of human disease, the highly complex process of sarcomere assembly is not fully understood. Current models of thin filament assembly highlight a central role for filament capping proteins, which can be divided into three protein families, each ascribed with separate roles in thin filament assembly. CapZ proteins have been shown to bind the Z-disc protein α-actinin to form an anchoring complex for thin filaments and actin polymerisation. Subsequent thin filaments extension dynamics are thought to be facilitated by Leiomodins (Lmods) and thin filament assembly is concluded by Tropomodulins (Tmods) that specifically cap the pointed end of thin filaments. To study thin filament assembly in vivo, single and compound loss-of-function zebrafish mutants within distinct classes of capping proteins were analysed. The generated lmod3- and capza1b-deficient zebrafish exhibited aspects of the pathology caused by variations in their human orthologs. Although loss of the analysed main capping proteins of the skeletal muscle, capza1b, capza1a, lmod3 and tmod4, resulted in sarcomere defects, residual organised sarcomeres were formed within the assessed mutants, indicating that these proteins are not essential for the initial myofibril assembly. Furthermore, detected similarity and location of myofibril defects, apparent at the peripheral ends of myofibres of both Lmod3- and CapZα-deficient mutants, suggest a function in longitudinal myofibril growth for both proteins, which is molecularly distinct to the function of Tmod4.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / genetics
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • CapZ Actin Capping Protein / metabolism*
  • Microfilament Proteins / genetics
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism
  • Muscle Proteins / genetics
  • Muscle Proteins / metabolism
  • Muscular Diseases* / genetics
  • Muscular Diseases* / metabolism
  • Myofibrils* / genetics
  • Myofibrils* / metabolism
  • Tropomodulin / genetics
  • Tropomodulin / metabolism
  • Zebrafish / genetics
  • Zebrafish / metabolism

Substances

  • Actins
  • CapZ Actin Capping Protein
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Muscle Proteins
  • Tropomodulin

Grants and funding

JB and PDC were supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (APP1144159 and APP21145821). JB is supported by the Angior Family Foundation. The Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute is supported by grants from the State Government of Victoria and the Australian Government. www.nhmrc.gov.au; www.aetlimited.com.au/philanthropic-services/for-charities/angiorfoundation The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.