Breaking the Chain

Why Testing Matters

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is caused by a stretch of DNA in the DMPK gene where three letters of genetic code, CTG, repeat over and over. Our cells constantly repair their DNA, but long repeats confuse our repair machinery. So, instead of shortening the long repeat, the repair process makes it longer. As a result, little by little this toxic repeat keeps growing. In turn, the next generation is born with a longer DMPK repeat, causing earlier and more severe symptoms. This cruel process continues for three to four generations until it ultimately ends with the birth of a severely disabled child with the congenital form of myotonic dystrophy.

Our Mission

3X Genetics was founded to break the toxic repeat expansion chain by testing symptomatic patients, plus diagnosed patients and their families, because when it comes to myotonic dystrophy, prevention is the only cure.

A family of four and their dog on a beach: a teenage son in a beach wheelchair, his sister, their mother in a sun hat, and their father — Children of people with myotonic dystrophy have a 50% chance of inheriting it, often in a more severe form. The problem is that most people with the disease are not diagnosed in time to prevent passing it on to the next generation. (AI-generated image; not actual patients. See note at the foot of the page.)

Take Action!

Given its mission, 3X Genetics offers discounted or free testing to people who have, or suspect they have, myotonic dystrophy.

Our process is confidential. All results are patient-controlled and stored in a de-identified database that provides valuable data to researchers striving to develop a cure. So, if you have myotonic dystrophy, have a family member with it, or have symptoms consistent with it, help us break the repeat expansion chain. Take the first step toward testing yourself and your family by reaching out to the 3X Genetics genetic counseling team using the button below to schedule proper testing.

Meeting Request

Please don’t include medical details in your email. Your genetic counselor will review them with you when you meet.

Email us your name and the best way to reach you, and a 3X genetic counselor will contact you to arrange a meeting.

Email the genetic counseling team

Or write to [email protected]