Codon Optimization of the Microdystrophin Gene for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Gene Therapy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscle wasting X-linked genetic disease caused by dystrophin gene mutations. Gene replacement therapy aims to transfer a functional full-length dystrophin cDNA or a quasi micro/mini-gene into the muscle. A number of AAV vectors carrying microdystrophin genes have been tested in the mdx model of DMD. Further modification/optimization of these microgene vectors may improve the therapeutic potency. In this chapter, we describe a species-specific, codon optimization protocol to improve microdystrophin gene therapy in the mdx model.