Disclosed herein are α7β1 integrin modulatory agents and methods of using such to treat conditions associated with decreased α7β1 integrin expression or activity, including muscular dystrophy. In one example, methods for treating a subject with muscular dystrophy are disclosed. The methods include administering an effective amount of an α7β1 integrin modulatory agent to the subject with muscular dystrophy, wherein the α7β1 integrin modulatory agent increases α7β1 integrin expression or activity as compared to α7β1 integrin expression or activity prior to treatment, thereby treating the subject with muscular dystrophy. Also disclosed are methods of enhancing muscle regeneration, repair, or maintenance in a subject and methods of enhancing α7β1 integrin expression by use of the disclosed α7β1 integrin modulatory agents. Methods of prospectively preventing or reducing muscle injury or damage in a subject are also disclosed.
