CDK12 inhibition reduces abnormalities in cells from patients with myotonic dystrophy and in a mouse model.
Sci Transl Med
; 12(541)2020 04 29.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32350131
ABSTRACT
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an RNA-based disease with no current treatment. It is caused by a transcribed CTG repeat expansion within the 3' untranslated region of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) gene. Mutant repeat expansion transcripts remain in the nuclei of patients' cells, forming distinct microscopically detectable foci that contribute substantially to the pathophysiology of the condition. Here, we report small-molecule inhibitors that remove nuclear foci and have beneficial effects in the HSALR mouse model, reducing transgene expression, leading to improvements in myotonia, splicing, and centralized nuclei. Using chemoproteomics in combination with cell-based assays, we identify cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) as a druggable target for this condition. CDK12 is a protein elevated in DM1 cell lines and patient muscle biopsies, and our results showed that its inhibition led to reduced expression of repeat expansion RNA. Some of the inhibitors identified in this study are currently the subject of clinical trials for other indications and provide valuable starting points for a drug development program in DM1.
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Distrofia Miotónica
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Sci Transl Med
Asunto de la revista:
CIENCIA
/
MEDICINA
Año:
2020
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Reino Unido