http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/muscular_dystrophy/ Medical research on muscular dystrophy and myopathy. Read about the promise of stem cell research for muscular dystrophy patients, and successful treatments tested in dogs. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/muscular_dystrophy/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070307.htm Scientists have identified how skeletal muscle stem cells respond to muscle injury and may be stimulated to improve muscle repair in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a severe inherited disease of muscle that causes weakness, disability and, ultimately, heart and respiratory failure. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113523.htm Scientists have confirmed that mutations of a gene are responsible for some cases of a rare, inherited disease that causes progressive muscle degeneration and weakness: spinal muscular atrophy with lower extremity predominance, also known as SMA-LED. Thu, 10 May 2012 11:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504110554.htm Researchers have effectively treated muscular dystrophy in mice using human stem cells derived from a new process that -- for the first time -- makes the production of human muscle cells from stem cells efficient and effective. Fri, 04 May 2012 11:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504110554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430101026.htm Scientists have discovered that they can dramatically increase the life span of mice with progeria (premature aging disease) and heart disease (caused by Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy) by reducing levels of a protein called SUN1. Their findings provide an exciting lead into developing new methods to treat premature aging and heart disease. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430101026.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404133757.htm Medical researchers have found that increasing a specific protein in muscles could help treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a severe and progressive muscle wasting disease that affects young boys. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404133757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305132319.htm Scientists have used a revolutionary new DNA-reading technology for a research project that could lead to correct genetic diagnosis for muscle-wasting diseases. The technique could be used to offer people with muscular dystrophy, or a related neuromuscular condition, a more accurate prognosis, which would enable them to make more informed choices on life decisions, including family planning. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305132319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120222204337.htm While RNA is an appealing drug target, small molecules that can actually affect its function have rarely been found. But now scientists have for the first time designed a series of small molecules that act against an RNA defect directly responsible for the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120222204337.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214215509.htm In the absence of the protein biglycan, synapses at neuromuscular junctions in mice began to break up about five weeks after birth, according to a new study. Reintroducing byglycan helped fix the loss of synaptic stability in cell culture. The research may be relevant to efforts to treat motor neuron diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gherig's Disease) and spinal muscular atrophy. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214215509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130094358.htm Stem cells derived from fat have a surprising trick up their sleeves: Encouraged to develop on a stiff surface, they undergo a remarkable transformation toward becoming mature muscle cells. The new cells remain intact and fused together even when transferred to an extremely stiff, bone-like surface, which has bioengineers intrigued. These cells, they suggest, could hint at new therapeutic possibilities for muscular dystrophy. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130094358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134338.htm Continuing a series of groundbreaking discoveries begun in 2010 about the genetic causes of the third most common form of inherited muscular dystrophy, scientists have identified the genes and proteins that damage muscle cells, as well as the mechanisms that can cause the disease. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109145905.htm Researchers have worked out the exact function of an enzyme that is critical for normal muscle structure and is involved in several muscular dystrophies. The findings could be used to develop rapid, large-scale testing of potential muscular dystrophy therapies. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109145905.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190025.htm People who have the most common type of adult muscular dystrophy also have a higher risk of getting cancer, according to a paper published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Patients with myotonic muscular dystrophy are at increased risk for cancer of the brain, ovary, colon, and the uterine lining known as the endometrium. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201163624.htm Researchers recently found how even distant satellite cells could help with the repair, and are now learning how the stem cells travel within the tissue. This knowledge could ultimately help doctors more effectively treat muscle disorders such as muscular dystrophy, in which the muscle is easily damaged and the patient's satellite cells have lost the ability to repair. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201163624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130115804.htm Researchers have shown that it is safe to cut and paste together different viruses in an effort to create the ultimate vehicle for gene therapy. In a phase I clinical trial, the investigators found no side effects from using a "chimeric" virus to deliver replacement genes for an essential muscle protein in patients with muscular dystrophy. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130115804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128121356.htm Academics have made an important breakthrough in the development of a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128121356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122113257.htm A health supplement used by bodybuilders could be the key to treating a life-threatening muscular dystrophy affecting tens of thousands of children world-wide, new research shows. The amino acid L-tyrosine had a "rapid and dramatic impact" on Nemaline Myopathy in laboratory tests on mice, significantly improving symptoms of the muscle-wasting disease, medical researchers found. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122113257.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103212618.htm Autism spectrum disorder affects about one in 100 children resulting in a range of problems in language, communication and understanding other people's emotional cues, all of which can lead to difficulties in social situations. New research used genome wide association study data to find a variation in the gene for transducin beta-like 1X-linked (TBL1X) which is associated with increased risk of ASD in boys. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103212618.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926151739.htm Researchers have identified a communication breakdown between nerves and muscles in mice that may provide new insight into the debilitating and fatal human disease known as spinal muscular atrophy. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926151739.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802125549.htm Researchers have discovered the biological mechanism behind age-related loss of muscle strength and identified a drug that may help reverse this process. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802125549.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110725123409.htm A molecular technique has taken one step closer to becoming a treatment for the devastating genetic disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110725123409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110704151445.htm Researchers have discovered the crucial role of a molecule in skeletal muscle development. The finding could have implications in the future for maintenance of healthy muscle or muscle regeneration in certain diseases, for example cancer and neuromuscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110704151445.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110419165802.htm Scientists are a step closer to treating, and perhaps preventing, muscle damage caused by neurodegenerative disorders and other forms of disease. They have discovered that the gene polymerase I and transcript release factor, or PTRF, is an essential component of the cell process that repairs damaged muscle tissue. This discovery has the potential to lead to development of therapeutic treatment for patients who suffer from severe complications of diseases such as muscular dystrophy, cardiovascular disorders and other degenerative conditions. Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110419165802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418093848.htm Researchers have long questioned why patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) tend to manage well through childhood and adolescence, yet succumb to their disease in early adulthood, or why elderly people who lose muscle strength following bed rest find it difficult or impossible to regain. Now, researchers are beginning to find answers in a specialized population of cells called satellite cells. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418093848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110411103711.htm A research team shows that cell death can also result from the process by which the cell repairs damage that occurs within a repeated CAG/CTG sequence. Their findings increase understanding of how diseases like Huntington's develop in humans. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110411103711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110309182654.htm An international collaboration and a single patient with mild muscle disease and severe cognitive impairment have allowed researchers to identify a new gene mutation that causes muscular dystrophy. Furthermore, by engineering the human gene mutation into mice, the researchers have created a new mouse model that could help screen potential drugs to treat this type of muscular dystrophy. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110309182654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110204130910.htm Researchers have found that if you have low levels of the DOT1L enzyme, you could be at risk for some types of heart disease. Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110204130910.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104064605.htm Scientists have reported encouraging results in a new gene-based therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which at present has no known cure and affects one in 3,000 young boys. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 06:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104064605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101227203432.htm A novel potential therapy based on a natural human protein significantly slows muscle damage and improves function in mice who have the same genetic mutation as boys with the most common form of muscular dystrophy. Now headed toward human trials, biglycan significantly slows the weakening of muscles in mice with the genetic mutation that causes muscular dystrophy. Biglycan causes utrophin,a natural muscle-building protein prevalent in young children, to collect in muscle cell membranes. Mon, 27 Dec 2010 20:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101227203432.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101209121421.htm For years, scientists have tried to understand why children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy experience severe muscle wasting and eventual death. After all, laboratory mice with the same mutation that causes the disease in humans display only a slight weakness. Now new research and a new animal model of the disease, points a finger squarely at the inability of human muscle stem cells to keep up with the ongoing damage caused by the disorder. Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101209121421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101110141529.htm Specific types of stem cells transplanted into the leg muscles of mice prevented the loss of muscle function and mass that normally occurs with aging, a finding with potential uses in treating humans with chronic, degenerative muscle diseases. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101110141529.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101028174550.htm An international team of researchers has made a second critical advance in determining the cause of a common form of muscular dystrophy known as facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, or FSHD. Thu, 28 Oct 2010 17:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101028174550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101011223210.htm Under normal circumstances, adult stem cells reside in muscle tissue, where they can differentiate into a number of different cell types. After an injury (or even a tough workout), muscles are inflamed as cells and molecules flood the area to control damage and begin repairs. When called upon to replace muscle tissue damaged by injury or genetic disease, some muscle stem cells differentiate, becoming new muscle cells, while others make more stem cells. Scientists recently uncovered the molecular messengers that translate inflammatory signals into the genetic changes that tell muscle stem cells to differentiate. Mon, 11 Oct 2010 22:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101011223210.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101006175630.htm A clinical trial designed to replace the genetic defect causing the most common form of muscular dystrophy has uncovered an unexpected aspect of the disease. The trial showed that some patients mount an immune response to the dystrophin protein even before they have received the gene therapy. Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101006175630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100913162319.htm A new study shows that white men and boys are living longer with muscular dystrophy due to technological advances in recent years, but that the lives of African-American men and boys with muscular dystrophy have not been extended at the same rate. Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100913162319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100903092459.htm A large international study aimed at improving the care of muscular dystrophy patients worldwide is being launched by physicians, physical therapists, and researchers around the world. The study will compare treatments for boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common form of the disease that affects children. Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100903092459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100709130831.htm Scientists researching a toxin extracted from the venom of the honey bee have used this to inform the design of new treatments to alleviate the symptoms of conditions such as muscular dystrophy, depression and dementia. Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100709130831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100526103801.htm In a new study, researchers demonstrate that affected muscle may directly contribute to inflammation in muscular dystrophy. Wed, 26 May 2010 10:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100526103801.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100506112603.htm Researchers have used time-lapse photography to document satellite cell movements and behaviors when they interact with their "host" myofiber. Scientists hope that if they can understand more about what satellite cells do in healthy muscle, obstacles to cell or gene therapies for muscular dystrophy might be overcome. Thu, 06 May 2010 11:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100506112603.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100506083449.htm Doctors can use ultrasonography (ultrasound) to evaluate and diagnose muscular trauma in professional athletes on-site, which helps them to determine whether or not a player's injuries are severe enough to take them out of the game, according to a new study. Thu, 06 May 2010 08:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100506083449.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100504142114.htm A medication most often used to treat heart arrhythmias also reduces a central symptom of myotonic dystrophy, the most common type of muscular dystrophy in adults. Tue, 04 May 2010 14:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100504142114.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100426131435.htm Genetic mutation can disrupt the way human cells make proteins, which in turn leads to inherited disease. According to one researcher, scientists are closer than ever to producing drugs that fix this disrupted-protein pathway and drastically improving treatment of genetic disease. Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100426131435.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100415110005.htm Researchers have found that it is possible to repair the defective gene responsible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100415110005.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100315172213.htm Researchers have discovered a chemical that may, over the long term, protect the hearts of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients -- a fatal and most common form of muscular dystrophy in children. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100315172213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100312133731.htm New findings shed light on how genetic damage to muscle cell proteins can lead to the development of the rare muscle-wasting disease, nemaline myopathy. Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100312133731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100124162145.htm Research on the genetic defect that causes myotonic muscular dystrophy has revealed that the mutation disrupts an array of metabolic pathways in muscle cells through its effects on two key proteins. Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100124162145.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100121140338.htm A new form of adult onset muscular dystrophy has been identified. The research demonstrated that recessive ANO5 mutations will lead to abnormal membrane repair of muscle fibers. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100121140338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100118091051.htm Researchers have identified fat-producing cells that possess "dual-personalities" and may further the development of treatments for muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy and fibrosis. Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100118091051.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100113172146.htm Researchers have identified a link between specific modifications of the dystrophin gene and the age of cardiac disease onset in patients with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). This information could help clinicians provide early cardiac intervention for BMD patients based on genetic testing results performed on a blood sample. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100113172146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091231164749.htm With the discovery of a new type of chemical modification on an important muscle protein, a new study improves understanding of certain muscular dystrophies and could potentially lead to new treatments for the conditions. Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091231164749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091203222134.htm Humans and mice have previously unknown and potentially critical differences in one of the genes responsible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Researchers have found that two major features of a key DMD gene are present in most mammals, including humans, but are specifically absent in mice and rats, calling into question the use of the mouse as the principal model animal for studying DMD. Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091203222134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091113132251.htm Scientists are one step closer to clinical trials to test a gene delivery strategy to improve muscle mass and function in patients with certain degenerative muscle disorders. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091113132251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145406.htm A compound already used to treat pneumonia could become a new therapy for an inherited muscular wasting disease. Researchers report that pentamidine might be adapted to counter genetic splicing defects in RNA that lead to type 1 myotonic dystrophy. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021011145.htm Researchers have released details of a breakthrough which holds promise of a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an incurable muscle-wasting disease. The research has demonstrated that a process known as exon skipping has shown dramatic effects in the prevention and treatment of severely affected, dystrophin and utrophin-deficient mice, preventing severe deterioration of the treated animals and extending their lifespan. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021011145.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928131018.htm Scientists have identified two chemicals that convince cells to ignore premature signals to stop producing important proteins. The findings could lead to new medications for genetic diseases, such as cancer and muscular dystrophy, that are sparked by missing proteins. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928131018.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811080747.htm Cell biologists describe a new approach to remove the toxic agent that causes the neuromuscular disease myotonic dystrophy. Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811080747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810174215.htm Muscular dystrophy, a group of inherited diseases characterized by progressive skeletal muscle weakness, can be caused by mutations in any one of a number of genes. Another gene can now be added to this list, as researchers have now identified mutations in a gene not previously linked to muscular dystrophy as causative of a form of the disease in five nonconsanguineous Japanese patients. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810174215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803173254.htm Researchers have identified a new function for the protein missing in people with the most common and ultimately lethal form of childhood muscular dystrophy. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803173254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723142113.htm A new study shows why muscle membranes don't rupture when healthy people exercise. The findings shed light on a mechanism that appears to protect cells from mechanical stress. The study also helps explain why muscle damage is so severe when this mechanism is disrupted, which occurs in certain muscular dystrophies. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723142113.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716141127.htm Researchers have found a way to block the genetic flaw at the heart of a common form of muscular dystrophy. The results of the study could pave the way for new therapies that essentially reverse the symptoms of the disease. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716141127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701082716.htm Scientists have shown that if elderly men who were given growth hormone and exercised their legs showed an appreciable muscle mass increase. Researchers say, "This raises the question: Can age-related loss of muscle strength and increased fragility be ameliorated by the therapeutic application of mechano growth factor?" Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701082716.htm