Local Non-Coding Regulatory Elements in Muscular Dystrophies

Muscular dystrophies are a class of diseases characterized by muscular weakness, breakdown, and heavily impaired function and quality of life. Numerous types of muscular dystrophies have been identified, with different causative genes and dystrophic mechanisms. While the majority of studies emphasize the protein product encoded by each gene, a growing body of research has identified non-coding elements as key regulators of muscular dystrophy. In this review, we summarize the common noncoding mechanisms known to regulate multiple forms of muscular dystrophies. We also highlight individual studies exploring local, disease-specific noncoding elements to each disease. Together, this provides a comprehensive overview of the major role of non-coding regulation in muscular dystrophies.