The disclosure relates to methods and compositions comprising p38
kinase inhibitors and agents that modulate the expression of DUX4 and catarrhal genes including but not limited to ZSCAN4, LEUTX, PRAMEF2, TRIM43, MBD3L2, KHDC1L, RFPL2, CCNA1, SLC34A2, TPRX1, PRAMEF20, TR1M49, PRAMEF4,
PRAME6, PRAMEF15, or ZNF280A. Methods useful for the treatment of a
disease associated with
abnormal expression of DUX4 and catarrhal genes (e.g., peritoneo-scaphobrachial
muscular dystrophy) are disclosed.