Targeting nuclear receptors in muscular dystrophies and regenerative myogenesis

Skeletal muscle is a highly plastic tissue with a robust capacity for regeneration, largely driven by resident satellite cells. Muscular dystrophies comprise a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders characterized by progressive muscle degeneration, chronic inflammation, and impaired regenerative capacity. Despite well-defined genetic etiologies, effective disease-modifying therapies for these disorders, as well as many acquired myopathies, remain limited. Emerging evidence identifies nuclear receptors (NRs) as key regulators of skeletal muscle homeostasis, integrating hormonal, metabolic, and environmental signals to control transcriptional programs governing mitochondrial function, metabolism, inflammation, and myogenesis. In this review, we summarize the diverse roles and mechanisms of action of NRs in skeletal muscle biology and discuss how their dysregulation contributes to muscle wasting and disease progression. We also highlight emerging NR-targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing metabolic function, suppressing inflammation and fibrosis, and promoting muscle regeneration. Finally, we outline critical knowledge gaps and future directions to advance the translation of NR-based therapies for muscular dystrophies and related neuromuscular disorders.