Myotonic dystrophy: RNA-mediated muscle disease.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review is to highlight recent progress in elucidating the disease mechanism in myotonic dystrophy type 1 and type 2.


RESULTS
Research on myotonic dystrophy has led to the recognition of a novel RNA-mediated disease process. In myotonic dystrophy it is the RNA rather than protein product of a disease gene that has deleterious effects on muscle cells. These unusual RNAs, which contain a long expanse of CUG or CCUG repeats, have far reaching effects on cell function by influencing the biogenesis of other cellular RNAs. One aspect of RNA metabolism that is particularly affected is the regulation of alternative splicing. By this mechanism, effects of myotonic dystrophy repeat expansions impact many different pathways, triggering a complex set of signs and symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
The genetic lesion in myotonic dystrophy does not eliminate an essential muscle protein. Instead, it induces a defect of RNA processing that is potentially reversible. The nature of this disease process raises the possibility that myotonic dystrophy, among genetic disorders, may be unusually susceptible to treatment using non-gene-therapy approaches.
Wheeler
Thurman M
TM
Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA.
Thornton
Charles A
CA
D017398:Alternative Splicing / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D000067879:CELF1 Protein; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D009223:Myotonic Dystrophy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012313:RNA / Q000235:genetics*; D020871:RNA Stability / Q000235:genetics; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics
D000067879:CELF1 Protein; C102843:CELF1 protein, human; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; D012313:RNA