A flow cytometry-based screen identifies MBNL1 modulators that rescue splicing defects in myotonic dystrophy type I.

Myotonic dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) is a rare genetic disease caused by the expansion of CTG trinucleotide repeats ((CTG)exp) in the 3' untranslated region of the DMPK gene. The repeat transcripts sequester the RNA binding protein Muscleblind-like protein 1 (MBNL1) and hamper its normal function in pre-mRNA splicing. Overexpressing exogenous MBNL1 in the DM1 mouse model has been shown to rescue the splicing defects and reverse myotonia.