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Like humans, some golden retrievers develop Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a hereditary muscle wasting condition that begins early in life. Using gene therapy, scientists were able to restore muscle function in dogs with the disease, according to a study published today (July 25) in Nature Communications.

"This case study introduces students to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and its underlying genetics, cell biology, and some of the associated biochemical pathways.  DMD is an X-linked disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting due to the absence of a protein called dystrophin, which in turn causes degeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscle. There is currently no established cure for this disease.  The case follows the progress of "Casey," an undergraduate student who has just declared her biology major and is interested in expanding her scientific understanding of the different fields of biology. The case is organized in three parts: genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry, each exploring DMD through its unique lens. Throughout the case, Casey is presented with multiple outlets of information, including class lectures, direct e-mail interaction with a professor, scientific journals and websites, from which she (and any student engaged with the case) gathers knowledge about DMD."

The woman in this case had cachexia, a metabolic disorder that affects some 9 million people worldwide, including as many as 80% of people with advanced cancer. It typically involves extreme weight- and muscle-loss, makes routine activities difficult and increases the risk of deadly complications such as infections. Adding calories doesn't reverse cachexia, and McClement says that the disorder sometimes provokes extreme reactions from family members because it serves as visual confirmation of their worst fears. "It's a constant reminder that the person is sick and is not going to get better," says McClement.

The physical connection between mother and fetus is provided by the placenta, an organ, built of cells from both the mother and fetus, which serves as a conduit for the exchange of nutrients, gasses, and wastes. Cells may migrate through the placenta between the mother and the fetus, taking up residence in many organs of the body including the lung, thyroid, muscle, liver, heart, kidney and skin. These may have a broad range of impacts, from tissue repair and cancer prevention to sparking immune disorders.