[September 2011] FSHD is a common form of muscular dystrophy in adults, affecting about seven in 100,000 people, causing a progressive wasting of muscles in the upper body. The cause is thought to be the activation of a normally ‘silent gene’, called DUX4. This group of researchers propose to block the faulty gene, DUX4, in FSHD cells by using a synthetic form of genetic material. They have successfully used this technique in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a similar disease. They plan to observe the effects of blocking the faulty gene DUX4 on muscle development and so identify the cause of the FSHD effects on muscle. This study may thereby identify drugs to treat FSHD.
For more information on FSHD Global Research sponsored projects, please contact Glenn Pilkington, Manager, Grants and Research Development. Email:glenn.pilkington@fshdglobal.org.