Jintang Du, PhD
Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, US

Dr. Du’s research will seek to develop DNA-binding Py-Im polyamides (macromolecules with repeating units) to bind specific, identified CTG-CAG triplet repeats that cause DM1. Dr. Du and his lab partners have established that a specific Py-Im polyamide targeting CTG-CAG triplicate repeats is able to virtually abolish nuclear foci in patient cells. The molecule does not affect genes with short, non-pathogenic CTG/CAG repeats. Dr. Du will also investigate the pharmacokinetics, maximum tolerated dose and tissue distribution of the most effective molecules. Studies will be conducted on mouse models.

Yao Yao, PhD
The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, US

Dr. Yao’s research involves stem cells, and will seek to understand how pericytes (multipotent stem cells) can be used to treat DM. His research project will include investigating how laminin, which covers pericytes (stem cells) in normal conditions but degrades in disease conditions, affects specific functions of these stem cells. To this end, Dr. Yao will use a laminin-deficient mouse model he has developed, which shows severe muscular dystrophy soon after birth, similar to what is observed in congenital myotonic dystrophy. In addition to understanding the role of laminin on pericyte stem cell health and function, Dr. Yao will also investigate the mechanisms that drive laminin loss, and attempt to identify targets to control pericyte stem cell function and laminin loss in order to treat myotonic dystrophy and other muscular dystrophies.