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DNA damage response links short telomeres, heart disorder in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Telomeres are the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. A new study shows that the progressive shortening of telomeres may be linked to enlarged hearts in those who have a type of muscular dystrophy.
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Genetics October 31, 2016

DNA damage response links short telomeres, heart disorder in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

By Krista Conger

A new study shows that telomeres shorten without cell division in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Subsequent DNA damage responses and mitochondrial dysfunction are likely cause of heart failure.

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Krista-Conger

Science writer

Krista Conger

Krista Conger is a senior science writer in the Office of Communications.