Muscular Dystrophy Center focused on DM1/DM2 therapies
Official title: Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11404417 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Wellstone Center at UF/UR is researching transformative therapies for myotonic dystrophy types 1 and 2, with strong collaboration between basic scientists and clinicians to speed up potential treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,453,425 |
| NIH project number | 5P50NS132955-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404417 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with myotonic dystrophy type 1 or type 2, or individuals who may participate in related translational and clinical studies linked to the center’s projects.
✕Less likely to help
People not affected by DM1/DM2 or not participating in translational/clinical aspects of the center may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This NIH P50 center brings together basic science and clinical researchers to accelerate the development of therapies for DM1 and DM2. The center is transitioning leadership to the University of Florida while maintaining a collaborative structure that supports multiple coordinated projects. Project 1 uses new DM2 mouse models, including a human BAC transgenic model and a skeletal muscle actin model, to study disease mechanisms and test therapies. The overall aim is to advance basic, translational, and clinical efforts so DM2 can move toward clinical trials, while continuing active DM1 trial preparation and potential post-approval considerations. The work integrates molecular, histological, and physiological analyses to understand multisystemic effects and guide therapeutic development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could accelerate new therapies that improve muscle function and quality of life for people with DM1 and DM2.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary results from the models show features consistent with DM2, supporting continued translational progress in this field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swanson, Maurice Scott — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Swanson, Maurice Scott
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.