RNA-targeting approaches for neuromuscular diseases

Trends Mol Med. 2009 Dec;15(12):580-91. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2009.10.005. Epub 2009 Nov 10.

Abstract

Although most molecular therapy strategies for genetic diseases are based on gene replacement, interesting alternative approaches target RNA. These strategies rely on the modification of the mutated gene's expression in vivo by modulating pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA stability or mRNA translation. Here, we review recent progress using these RNA-based approaches in the field of muscle and muscle-related genetic diseases. Different molecular tools, including modified antisense oligonucleotides, pre-mRNA trans-splicing molecules, ribozymes or chemical compounds have been used successfully on patient cells or animal models of disease. These diverse strategies show tremendous therapeutic potential and several clinical trials have been initiated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients with promising results.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genetic Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / genetics
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / metabolism
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / therapy
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / genetics
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / metabolism
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / therapy*
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger