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Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Modeling Myotonic Dystrophy 1 in C2C12 Myoblast Cells
Published on: July 29, 2016
[Two cases of congenital myotonic dystrophy type 1 caused by DMPK gene variants]
Xiao-Hong Wang1, Chen-Hong Wang1, Yan-Ping Xu1
1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine/National Clinical Research Center for Children and Adolescents' Health and Diseases/Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Hangzhou 310052, China.
Insights
Congenital myotonic dystrophy type 1, a severe genetic disorder, was diagnosed in two neonates with a DMPK gene CTG repeat expansion. Early genetic testing and counseling are crucial for managing this rare condition and preventing birth defects.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Congenital myotonic dystrophy type 1 (CDM1) is a severe, rare genetic disorder.
- Neonatal presentation often includes respiratory distress, hypotonia, and ventilator dependence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two cases of CDM1 in male neonates.
- To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and genetic testing for CDM1.
Main Methods:
- Clinical presentation assessment.
- Genetic testing for DMPK gene CTG repeat expansion.
Main Results:
- Both patients presented with neonatal hypotonia and respiratory distress requiring ventilator support.
- Genetic testing confirmed DMPK gene CTG repeat expansion in both neonates, consistent with CDM1.
- Patient 2 presented with a rare combination of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and diaphragmatic eventration.
Conclusions:
- Early identification of CDM1 through genetic testing is vital for affected neonates.
- Genetic counseling is essential for families to guide future pregnancies and reduce the incidence of birth defects.
- Prompt diagnosis and management can improve outcomes for this severe genetic disorder.
Abstract:
Patient 1 was a male neonate who, at 3 hours of life, presented with respiratory distress, hypotonia, and ventilator dependence. Genetic testing revealed a DMPK gene CTG repeat expansion (13/>83). Patient 2 was a male neonate who presented at 2 days of life after resuscitation for perinatal asphyxia, with hypotonia and ventilator dependence, complicated by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and diaphragmatic eventration, which appears to represent the first such combination reported in China. Genetic testing showed a DMPK gene CTG repeat expansion (12/>83). Both cases were diagnosed with congenital myotonic dystrophy type 1. Congenital myotonic dystrophy type 1 is a rare and severe genetic disorder with low survival. When characteristic clinical manifestations appear, genetic testing and family counseling should be performed as early as possible to guide future pregnancies and reduce birth defects.
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