Synthetic bottlebrush block copolymer prevents disease onset in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

What is it about?

Sharing our latest research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a serious inherited disease that causes progressive muscle weakening and degeneration, with no current cure. Our study introduces a novel therapeutic approach using a synthetic molecule called a bottlebrush polymer. This molecule’s unique, highly branched structure enables it to stabilize cell membranes effectively. In a mouse model of DMD, the bottlebrush polymer prevented muscle damage and protected different muscle groups including respiratory and cardiac muscle, typically severely impacted by the disease. Due to its exceptional potency and ability to work throughout the body, this polymer shows great promise as an early and effective treatment for children with DMD, and potentially for other diseases involving membrane damage.

Featured Image

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

Why is it important?

https://basebybase.castos.com/episodes/synthetic-bottlebrush-block-copolymer-prevents-disease-onset