METHODS OF TREATING MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

摘要

Disclosed herein are α7&bgr;1 integrin modulatory agents and methods of using such to treat conditions associated with decreased α7&bgr;1 integrin expression or activity, including muscular dystrophy. In one example, methods for treating a subject with muscular dystrophy are disclosed. The methods include administering an effective amount of an α7&bgr;1 integrin modulatory agent to the subject with muscular dystrophy, wherein the α7&bgr;1 integrin modulatory agent increases α7&bgr;1 integrin expression or activity as compared to α7&bgr;1 integrin expression or activity prior to treatment, thereby treating the subject with muscular dystrophy. Also disclosed are methods of enhancing muscle regeneration, repair, or maintenance in a subject and methods of enhancing α7&bgr;1 integrin expression by use of the disclosed α7&bgr;1 integrin modulatory agents. Methods of prospectively preventing or reducing muscle injury or damage in a subject are also disclosed.