Abstract
Collagen IV is a major component of basement membranes (BMs). The α1(IV) chain, encoded by the COL4A1 gene, is expressed ubiquitously and associates with the α2(IV) chain to form the α1α1α2(IV) heterotrimer. Several COL4A1 mutations affecting a conformational domain containing integrin-binding sites are responsible for the systemic syndrome of hereditary angiopathy, nephropathy, aneurysms, and cramps (HANAC). To analyze the pathophysiology of HANAC, Col4a1 mutant mice bearing the p.Gly498Val mutation were generated. Analysis of the skeletal muscles of Col4a1G498V mutant animals showed morphologic characteristics of a muscular dystrophy phenotype with myofiber atrophy, centronucleation, focal inflammatory infiltrates, and fibrosis. Abnormal ultrastructural aspects of muscle BMs was associated with reduced extracellular secretion of the mutant α1α1α2(IV) trimer. In addition to muscular dystrophic features, endothelial cell defects of the muscle capillaries were observed, with intracytoplasmic accumulation of the mutant α1α1α2(IV) molecules, endoplasmic reticulum cisternae dilation, and up-regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers. Induction of the unfolded protein response in Col4a1 mutant muscle tissue resulted in an excess of apoptosis in endothelial cells. HANAC mutant animals also presented with a muscular functional impairment and increased serum creatine kinase levels reflecting altered muscle fiber sarcolemma. This extensive description of the muscular phenotype of the Col4a1 HANAC murine model suggests a potential contribution of primary endothelial cell defects, together with muscle BM alterations, to the development of COL4A1-related myopathy.