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Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare, progressive genetic condition that affects muscles used for movement, breathing, and heart function.
But to better understand Duchenne progression, it helps to take a closer look inside the muscle, starting with a protein called dystrophin. Loss of dystrophin triggers a series of changes inside the muscle, including overactivity of an enzyme called histone deacetylase (HDAC).
What is HDAC?
In Duchenne, a genetic variant prevents the body from making dystrophin. Without dystrophin, muscle fibers are more fragile and can get damaged more easily, making it harder for muscles to stay strong.
Healthy muscle with dystrophin
Muscle in Duchenne without dystrophin
Increased muscle damage
Inflammation
Overactivity of proteins that affect muscle repair, such as HDAC
About HDAC
HDAC is an enzyme in the body's cells that helps control how muscles function and repair themselves.
Healthy muscles experience small tears every day.
