Antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) have emerged as a promising therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a severe neuromuscular disease caused by dystrophin deficiency. Early AON drugs like drisapersen and eteplirsen achieved limited success, leading researchers to develop more efficient next-generation AONs. This study focused on refining AONs for exon 51 skipping through advanced chemical modifications and identifying optimal target sites to enhance efficacy and safety.   Researchers screened over 100 AONs …

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This paper investigates a potential treatment for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a genetic disorder caused by the improper expression of the DUX4 gene in muscles, leading to muscle weakness and deterioration. Currently, there is no molecular therapy to halt or slow the progression of FSHD. The researchers tested an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that targets and reduces the DUX4 transcript in a mouse model (ACTA1-MCM;FLExDUX4) that mimics FSHD. The ASO treatment, …

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Casimersen (AMONDYS 45™) is a therapeutic antisense oligonucleotide designed for patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) whose gene mutation is amenable to exon 45 skipping. DMD is a genetic disorder characterized by the absence of dystrophin, a crucial protein for muscle function. This results in progressive muscle degeneration and loss of mobility, eventually affecting the heart and lungs. Casimersen works by binding to the mutated pre-mRNA, skipping exon 45 to …

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This paper introduces a novel therapeutic approach for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) using NS-089/NCNP-02, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) designed to skip exon 44 of the dystrophin gene. DMD is a severe muscle disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene, leading to a lack of dystrophin protein. Exon skipping helps to restore the reading frame of dystrophin, enabling the production of a shorter but functional dystrophin protein. The authors focused …

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The paper titled "Multiple Exon Skipping in the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Hot Spots: Prospects and Challenges" explores an advanced therapeutic strategy for treating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a severe genetic disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. This mutation leads to the absence of functional dystrophin protein, which is essential for maintaining muscle integrity. One emerging treatment method involves antisense oligonucleotide (AO)-mediated exon skipping, where specific exons are skipped …

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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor neuron degeneration, often leading to death within a few years. While there are limited treatments, genetic mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) have been identified in 2% of ALS cases. Tofersen, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), specifically targets SOD1 mRNA, reducing the production of toxic SOD1 protein and has shown promise in clinical trials, resulting in FDA approval in …

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Personal take on this article: This paper focuses on spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder linked to motor neuron and skeletal muscle damage, caused by trinucleotide expansions in the androgen receptor gene. SBMA shares features with polyglutamine diseases and motor neuron disorders, affecting both the central nervous system and muscle function. The paper emphasizes nucleic acid-based therapies like antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) …

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