The AMPK allosteric activator MK-8722 improves the histology and spliceopathy in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) skeletal muscle.

Multiple signaling pathways have been reported to be altered in Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) skeletal muscle, contributing to pathogenicity. In particular, previous work established that AMPK signaling, a key sensor of energy metabolism, is repressed in DM1 mouse muscle and that activating AMPK through exercise and/or with pharmacological activators is beneficial for the DM1 muscle phenotype. Here, we explored the effects of a newer, more specific allosteric AMPK activator acting directly on AMPK.

Pannexin 1 dysregulation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and its exacerbation of dystrophic features in mdx mice.

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is associated with impaired muscle regeneration, progressive muscle weakness, damage, and wasting. While the cause of DMD is an X-linked loss of function mutation in the gene encoding dystrophin, the exact mechanisms that perpetuate the disease progression are unknown. Our laboratory has demonstrated that pannexin 1 (Panx1 in rodents; PANX1 in humans) is critical for the development, strength, and regeneration of male skeletal muscle.

Staufen1 controls mitochondrial metabolism via HIF2α in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and promotes tumorigenesis.

Elevated mitochondrial metabolism promotes tumorigenesis of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcomas (ERMS). Accordingly, targeting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) could represent a therapeutic strategy for ERMS. We previously demonstrated that genetic reduction of Staufen1 (STAU1) levels results in the inhibition of ERMS tumorigenicity.