Local Non-Coding Regulatory Elements in the Muscular Dystrophies

Muscular dystrophies are a class of diseases characterized by muscular weakness, breakdown, and heavily impaired function and quality of life [1]. Numerous types of muscular dystrophy 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 [2,3]. In this review, we summarize the common noncoding mechanisms known to regulate multiple forms of muscular dystrophy. 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.