The prospects of targeting DUX4 in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a neuromuscular disorder, which is caused by incomplete repression of the transcription factor double homeobox 4 (DUX4) in skeletal muscle. To date, there is no DUX4-targeting treatment to prevent or delay disease progression. In the present review, we summarize developments in therapeutic strategies with the focus on inhibiting DUX4 and DUX4 target gene expression.

Recent findings

Different studies show that DUX4 and its target genes can be repressed with genetic therapies using diverse strategies. Additionally, different small compounds can reduce DUX4 and its target genes in vitro and in vivo.

Summary

Most studies that show DUX4 repression by genetic therapies have only been tested in vitro. More ef

SUBMITTER: Bouwman LF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7735392 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature