MYOBLAST TRANSFER AND GENE-THERAPY IN MUSCULAR-DYSTROPHIES

Myoblast transfer therapy and gene therapy have both been proposed as potential treatments for inherited myopathies, such as Duchenne muscul ar dystrophy (DMD). The success of myoblast implantation in mouse mode ls, where problems such as immune rejection are easily overcome, have led to similar experiments being attempted on Duchenne patients with l imited, if any, success. Gene therapy, either by viral vectors or dire ct injection of the plasmid, has also had some success in animal model s. Although both techniques, either separately or in combination, show some promise for the treatment of DMD, there are still many issues to be investigated in animal models, including the following: What is th e best source of muscle precursor cells (mpc), and how may sufficient cells be obtained? What is the best vehicle for gene therapy? How far from the injection site can an implanted cell or gene have an effect? How can immune rejection of the injected cells or introduced protein b e overcome? Does the introduced dystrophin lead to improved muscle fun ction? Can cardiac muscle can be successfully treated by gene therapy? Can skeletal muscle which has undergone a great deal of damage be imp roved by either cell or gene therapy? (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.