Research Article published on dec 2015

Andrea Farini, Clementina Sitzia, Letizia Cassinelli, Federica Colleoni, Daniele Parolini, Umberto Giovanella, Simona Maciotta, Augusto Colombo, Mirella Meregalli, Yvan Torrente

NEW PERSPECTIVES IN THE ONSET OF DMD

DURING FETAL MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT

 Published on Development, journal, the study conducted by Dr. Yvan Torrente, Assistant Professor in Neurology and Director of Stem Cell Laboratory at Centro Dino Ferrari”, Università degli Studi di Milano, opens new perspectives for further investigation about pathways modulating the onset of Duchenne muscular dystrophy at a fetal level.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular pathology characterized by a progressive loss of muscular tissue and exhibiting from the age of 3 and progressing along with motor activity because of mechanical burden which destroys dystrophin-deficient muscle fibers. Mechanical damage lately involves “secondary clinical evidences” such as inflammatory cells infiltration and fibrosis replacing muscle tissue, which undermines muscular structure and get the disease worsening.

 Thanks to this study conducted by Dr, Yvan Torrente at Stem Cell Laboratory, Policlinico Hospital (Milan), further details about DMD progress since initial stages of muscle formation have been investigated. In particular, it was proven the evidence of dystrophin-dependent pathways increasing calcium within muscle fibers and a delay in musculoskeletal system development in twelve-week-old human fetuses. The identification of a further role of dystrophin whose influence is evident at a stage when the disease is not yet revealed, opens new perspectives for cutting edge drug therapies.

Contact Information: yvan.torrente@unimi.it