In addition, through analysis of the more severe mdx:utr double knock out model of DMD, an even lower proportion of Cx43 expression was observed at intercalated discs (46% ± 5% MEAN ± SEM, n = 5), demonstrating that while initial Cx43 remodeling occurs before overt cardiac pathology is present, it increases as signs of dilated cardiomyopathy and fibrosis appear (Fig. 1a,b). This evidence concerns the gene GJA1 and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.