Ricerc@Sapienza

We aim at defining the role of macrophages in muscular dystrophy pathogenesis, using mdx mice as the best model for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). We will focus on the crosstalk between macrophages and muscle resident cells. To this end, we will take advantage of a mouse model recently generated in our laboratory, by crossing CD11bDTR mice with mdx mice in order to generate dystrophic mice (CD11bDTR-mdx) where we can transiently remove macrophages from muscles in an inducible manner, by serial intramuscular diphtheria toxin injections.
Specifically, we will investigate muscle regeneration process in CD11bDTR-mdx both treated with Givinostat and injected with diphtheria toxin, in order to dissect the role of macrophages in mediating Givinostat activity.