Frederick Frappier

My long-term research interest is in investigating new therapeutic opportunities to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Currently, I am investigating the beneficial mechanisms of protein acetylation in DMD. DUVYZAT™ (Givinostat), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, has shown clinical success in increasing acetylation levels in trials and in 2024 was approved by the FDA to treat patients with DMD; however, the therapeutic mechanisms are still unclear. I am interested in understanding how increased acetylation levels alleviate DMD symptoms and the role of lysine acetyltransferases, such as GCN5 and PCAF, in facilitating the beneficial effects of DUVYZAT™. In my current project, I am using gain and loss of function models to investigate how manipulating lysine acetyl transferases can mimic, or enhance, the effects of DUVYZAT™ on dystrophic muscle protein expression, muscle fiber morphology, and acetylation patterns in 3D cultured dystrophic myotubes.

Moving forward, I'm excited to continue my studies in Biotechnology and medical sciences, with a focus on neuromuscular disorders. Working on the DMD research really captivated my attention, and it's become a passion. I am looking forwards to learn various techniques that I will apply on my future projects I devote myself to.