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The road toward AAV-mediated gene therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

The road toward AAV-mediated gene therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
This article reviews the evolution of AAV-mediated gene therapy for DMD, focusing on dystrophin structure, μDys engineering, systemic delivery strategies, clinical trial outcomes, and emerging solutions such as myotropic AAVs and gene editing platforms designed to overcome current limitations and enhance therapeutic efficacy.
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Natural history of Becker muscular dystrophy: a multicenter study of 225 patients

Natural history of Becker muscular dystrophy: a multicenter study of 225 patients
This multicenter cohort study of 225 Japanese patients investigated the natural history of Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) and explored genotype-phenotype correlations. The findings revealed that the severity of skeletal, cardiac, and neurological involvement varies with the type of in-frame deletions in the DMD gene. Patients with exon 45–49 deletions showed more severe skeletal impairment, while those with exon 45–47 deletions maintained better respiratory function. These insights are crucial for guiding preventive care and therapeutic strategies in BMD management.
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The Persistence of Duchenne vs Becker Muscular Dystrophies: Vive la Difference?

The Persistence of Duchenne vs Becker Muscular Dystrophies: Vive la Difference?
This article reviews the differences between Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. Although both are linked to mutations in the DMD gene, patients present with varying degrees of severity. The article highlights the importance of microvariants and mutation locations in disease outcomes and discusses the limitations of current diagnostic categories. It proposes the use of the term "dystrophinopathies" to better reflect the wide spectrum of symptoms.
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Conditional Dystrophin ablation causes profound effects on muscle development, neurobehavior, and extracellular matrix pathways

Conditional Dystrophin ablation causes profound effects on muscle development, neurobehavior, and extracellular matrix pathways
This study shows that deleting dystrophin specifically in muscle stem cells leads to major changes in muscle growth and behavior. It highlights a possible muscle-brain signaling axis with broad implications for DMD therapy.
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Enveloped viruses pseudotyped with mammalian myogenic cell fusogens target skeletal muscle for gene delivery

Enveloped viruses pseudotyped with mammalian myogenic cell fusogens target skeletal muscle for gene delivery
This study introduces muscle-specific pseudotyped viruses using natural fusion proteins (Myomaker & Myomerger) to deliver gene therapy directly and selectively to muscle tissue—offering new hope for muscular diseases like DMD.
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Recent developments and industry interest in gene therapy for duchenne muscular dystrophy

Recent developments and industry interest in gene therapy for duchenne muscular dystrophy
Recent Developments and Industry Interest in Gene Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Introduction Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle degeneration. This condition is caused by mutations in the DMD gene, which encodes a crucial protein for muscle stability. Symptoms usually appear between ages 2 and 5, leading to muscle weakness and, eventually, respiratory or cardiac failure. While antisense oligonucleotides have been approved to …
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Antisense Oligonucleotides Conjugated with Lipophilic Compounds: Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of Exon Skipping in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Antisense Oligonucleotides Conjugated with Lipophilic Compounds: Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of Exon Skipping in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
This study examines how lipophilic-modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) enhance exon skipping in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The results show improved cellular uptake, nanoparticle formation, and higher exon-skipping efficiency, making these ASOs promising therapeutic candidates.
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In Silico Screening Based on Predictive Algorithms as a Design Tool for Exon Skipping Oligonucleotides in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

In Silico Screening Based on Predictive Algorithms as a Design Tool for Exon Skipping Oligonucleotides in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder leading to muscle degeneration. This study introduces a predictive computational model for exon skipping therapy, achieving 89% accuracy for PMOs and 76% accuracy for 2’-O-Methyl RNA, aiding in oligonucleotide selection.
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A Timeless Reminder: A Biblical Call to Diligence and Productivity

A Timeless Reminder: A Biblical Call to Diligence and Productivity
While reviewing old notes, I found a powerful biblical reminder from Proverbs 24:33-34, which warns that idleness leads to poverty. This verse emphasizes the importance of diligence, perseverance, and productivity. Some sayings remain timeless, urging us to stay committed to our work and strive for success. It serves as a call to action, encouraging us to embrace discipline and purpose in our daily lives.
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Celebrating 10K+ Visits: Advancing Neuromuscular Research & Awareness

Celebrating 10K+ Visits: Advancing Neuromuscular Research & Awareness
Nikilab.net has surpassed 10,000 blog visits, reinforcing our mission to simplify neuromuscular research for patients, families, and researchers. Covering dystrophy, cell therapy, and antisense approaches, our goal is to make complex science accessible, offering hope and knowledge to those affected by neuromuscular diseases. This milestone strengthens our commitment to advancing research and raising awareness, ensuring that every child with DMD matters.
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Renato Dulbecco and the Impact of Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM) on Cell Culture

Renato Dulbecco and the Impact of Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM) on Cell Culture
Renato Dulbecco, a Nobel Prize-winning virologist, revolutionized cell culture by developing Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM) in the 1950s. His modifications improved mammalian cell growth, making DMEM one of the most widely used media in biomedical research. Dulbecco’s contributions extend beyond cell culture, including pioneering studies on oncoviruses and cancer biology. His work remains fundamental to modern cell biology and medical advancements.
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Growth Media and Differentiation Media in Neuromuscular Labs

Growth Media and Differentiation Media in Neuromuscular Labs
In neuromuscular research, growth media supports skeletal muscle cell proliferation, while differentiation media promotes myoblast fusion into myotubes. Growth media contains DMEM/F-12, FBS, and skeletal muscle supplements, whereas differentiation media replaces FBS with heat-inactivated horse serum for myotube formation. Proper media preparation ensures cell viability and stability, making it essential for studying neuromuscular diseases and muscle regeneration.
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Immortalized Skeletal Muscle Cells: Advancing DMD Research 

Immortalized Skeletal Muscle Cells: Advancing DMD Research 
Immortalized skeletal muscle cells derived from healthy and DMD patients serve as reproducible models for neuromuscular research. These cells aid in studying disease mechanisms and evaluating exon-skipping therapies. A key contributor, Kamel Mamchaoui, developed DMD myoblast cell lines, enhancing preclinical research. These models support dystrophin restoration studies and therapeutic advancements, helping researchers refine potential treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
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