Articles tagged with Muscular Dystrophy
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers have identified a new source of stem cells that can restore dystrophin expression and improve function in dystrophic skeletal muscle. Circulating AC133+ stem cells from humans showed potential in treating muscular dystrophy.
Researchers found that expressing LARGE protein in cells from patients with distinct gene defects can restore alpha-dystroglycan's ability to bind to the extracellular matrix, leading to improved muscle structure and function. This approach may have clinical benefits for patients with muscular dystrophy.
Scientists identify LARGE protein as a key player in restoring alpha-dystroglycan function, which is critical for normal muscle function. The discovery may lead to new treatments for muscular dystrophies and other muscle diseases.
A study by Dr. Jonathan Strober found creatine supplementation to be safe in children with neuromuscular disorders, but failed to improve muscle mass or motor function. The treatment had varying effects on range of motion in patients with different conditions.
Researchers at three new NIH-funded centers are working on developing gene and stem cell therapies to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The centers will study various aspects of gene therapy, including the delivery and engraftment of muscle stem cells into diseased heart tissue.
The University of Pittsburgh has been designated as a cooperative research center to develop treatments for muscle-wasting diseases. The center will focus on gene and stem cell therapies to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common and debilitating childhood disease.
Researchers found that a muscle protein called dystroglycan plays a crucial role in forming normal myelin sheaths, which allow nerves to transmit signals efficiently. The study suggests that disruption of this protein may contribute to various neuropathic disorders.
The study identifies dysferlin as a critical protein involved in the repair process, which is faulty in two types of muscular dystrophy. Without dysferlin, muscles are unable to heal themselves, leading to progressive muscle degeneration.
Research reveals a mutant form of the muscle protein dysferlin prevents normal muscle repair in two muscular dystrophies, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD2B) and Miyoshi Myopathy (MM). The discovery identifies a critical component in membrane-repair machinery, offering potential clues for future therapies.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota developed a reliable diagnostic test for myotonic muscular dystrophy type 2 (DM2), revealing it occurs in many families of Northern European ancestry. The new test uses DNA amplification and verification to detect the disease, addressing difficulties in correct diagnosis.
The American Academy of Neurology Foundation will honor Jerry Lewis for his decades-long fight against neuromuscular disease. The organization, which supports research and patient care for diseases like muscular dystrophy and ALS, has seen the impact of Lewis's work firsthand.
Researchers have found that blocking myostatin in mice with muscular dystrophy improves muscle function, providing a potential new treatment for the condition. However, further studies are needed to address concerns about the approach's limitations and potential side effects.
Researchers discovered that mice without the myostatin gene had less physical damage to their muscles and were stronger than those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Blocking the myostatin protein may help delay progression or improve quality of life, but more studies are needed in humans.
Researchers have successfully delivered the full-length dystrophin gene to mice with muscular dystrophy using stripped-down vectors, restoring normal muscle function. The breakthrough could pave the way for human clinical trials to assess the safety of this method in patients.
Researchers have identified a missing piece of DNA as the cause of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), allowing nearby genes to become overactive. This discovery provides a starting point for developing therapeutic tools and offers hope for patients, who often suffer from progressive muscle loss and severe disability.
Defects in enzymes responsible for processing dystroglycan protein cause several rare forms of muscular dystrophy. The discovery will help doctors diagnose and provide genetic counseling to patients. It also raises questions about links between muscle physiology and neurobiology, potentially improving understanding of learning and memory.
Muscle stem cells have shown potential in treating muscular dystrophy by differentiating into other cell types and resisting rejection, overcoming major obstacles such as low survival rates and immune system rejection. The study's findings could lead to more effective treatments for MD and other muscle-related diseases.
A new mouse model has shown promise in treating muscular dystrophy by increasing muscle mass and regeneration, reducing muscle cell death. The combination of better muscle regeneration and less muscle wasting could lead to improved muscle capacity over time.
Scientists have found a way to activate the utrophin gene, which can help compensate for the lack of dystrophin protein in muscles affected by Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. The study suggests that over-producing utrophin may be a viable alternative to adding a working copy of the dystrophin gene through gene therapy.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have discovered an enzyme that can halt muscle wasting in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study found that adding supplemental amounts of CT GalNAc transferase to skeletal muscles inhibited muscle destruction.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking finding that may impact brain swelling research by discovering how the Aquaporin-4 protein is tethered to Syntrophin, leading to better understanding of the blood-brain barrier. The study's results suggest that AQP4 and Syntrophin play a crucial role in regulating water flow in the brain.
Researchers are studying the molecular pathophysiology of FSHD using genome-wide approaches and developing animal models to understand the disease. The goal is to gain insight into the cellular and molecular processes leading to neuromuscular system dysfunction in FSHD patients.
Dr. Jeffrey S. Chamberlain joins the University of Washington to study muscular dystrophy gene therapies with a focus on developing vectors for genetic delivery. His research aims to prevent and reverse the disease, offering hope for treatment or cure options.
University of Iowa researchers found that long-term treatment with verapamil can prevent heart muscle damage in mice without serious side effects. They also identified a specific biomarker, cardiac troponin I, to detect early diagnosis of cardiomyopathy in patients with muscular dystrophy.
Researchers from Children's National Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh successfully reverse muscle damage caused by limb girdle muscular dystrophy using gene therapy. The non-toxic virus-based approach increases muscle strength and size by nearly 100% in animal tests, paving the way for potential treatment of Duchenne muscula...
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a complex domino effect that causes cardiomyopathy in limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). The study suggests that drug therapy targeting vascular smooth muscle could prevent or stabilize cardiomyopathy in some cases of LGMD.
Researchers found that a common antibiotic, gentamicin, can arrest disease progression in 15% of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients with a specific genetic mutation. The approach may also be effective for similar subsets of people with other genetic disorders. Small-scale clinical trials are planned to test the treatment.
Researchers successfully produce widespread transfer of corrective genetic material into muscle cells using a naturally-occurring hamster model. The technique, developed by Penn researchers, overcomes the existing problem of accessing millions of muscle cells requiring genetic re-engineering.
Scientists have confirmed that a protein complex, when defective, causes limb girdle muscular dystrophy. Researchers developed a cell culture system to mimic the defect and found that complete assembly of the sarcoglycan complex is dependent on simultaneous synthesis of all four sarcoglycans.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found a link between nitric oxide and skeletal muscle function, shedding new light on Duchenne dystrophy. The study reveals that nitric oxide plays a key role in regulating blood flow to contracting muscles.
University of Michigan scientists develop viral vector delivering dystrophin gene to adult mice with muscular dystrophy, inducing high levels of normal dystrophin protein for several months. The breakthrough could pave the way for effective gene therapy treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.