SETDB1 modulates the TGFβ response in Duchenne muscular dystrophy myotubes

Overactivation of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) signaling in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a major hallmark of disease progression, leading to fibrosis and muscle dysfunction. Here, we investigated the role of SETDB1 (SET domain, bifurcated 1), a histone lysine methyltransferase involved in muscle differentiation. Our data show that, following TGF beta induction, SETDB1 accumulates in the nuclei of healthy myotubes while being already present in the nuclei of DMD myotubes where TGF beta signaling is constitutively activated. Transcriptomics revealed that depletion of SETDB1 in DMD myotubes leads to down-regulation of TGF beta target genes coding for secreted factors involved in extracellular matrix remodeling and inflammation. Consequently, SETDB1 silencing in DMD myotubes abrogates the deleterious effect of their secretome on myoblast differentiation by impairing myoblast pro-fibrotic response. Our findings indicate that SETDB1 potentiates the TGF beta-driven fibrotic response in DMD muscles, providing an additional axis for therapeutic intervention.