RNA‐Seq analysis revealed a number of genes that were highly up‐regulated in MKO EDL muscle, including Sln, Ankrd1, and Pak1. SLN regulates SERCA activity and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism in response to increased energy demand, improving endurance and muscle performance.52 SLN has been reported to be up‐regulated in mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and various myopathies,53 suggesting that SLN up‐regulation may be a general response to increased metabolic demand under conditions of compromised muscle function to improve oxidative metabolism. Here, PAK1 is linked to Duchenne muscular dystrophy.