SERCA2a Overexpression Improves Muscle Function in a Canine Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Model

Excessive cytosolic calcium accumulation contributes to muscle degeneration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Sarco/ endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) is a sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium pump that actively transports calcium from the cytosol into the SR. We previously showed that adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated SERCA2a therapy reduced cytosolic calcium overload and improved muscle and heart function in the murine DMD model. Here, we tested whether AAV SERCA2a therapy could ameliorate muscle disease in the canine DMD model. 7.83 x 10 13 vector genome particles of the AAV vector were injected into the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) muscles of four juvenile affected dogs. Contralateral ECU muscles received excipient. Three months later, we observed widespread transgene expression and signi fi cantly increased SERCA2a levels in the AAV-injected muscles. Treatment improved SR calcium uptake, signi fi cantly reduced calpain activity, signi fi cantly improved contractile kinetics, and signi fi cantly enhanced resistance to eccentric contractioninduced force loss. Nonetheless, muscle histology was not improved. To evaluate the safety of AAV SERCA2a therapy, we delivered the vector to the ECU muscle of adult normal dogs. We achieved strong transgene expression without altering muscle histology and function. Our results suggest that AAV SERCA2a therapy has the potential to improve muscle performance in a dystrophic large mammal.