Ann Arbor - University of Michigan

Jeffrey S. Chamberlain, Ph.D.
(PPG)  Improved adenoviral vectors for gene therapy of muscular dystrophy
$ 181,999.00	7/1/99 - 6/30/00	Year 2
$ 187,676.00	7/1/00 - 6/30/01	Year 3

Summary: This project is designed to create a safe shuttle to deliver therapeutic genes to the muscles of patients with muscular dystrophy for use in gene therapy trials.

(EMG)  Restricted funds for gene therapy research
$ 3‚200‚000.00	4/1/99 - 3/31/00	Year 1

(SG)  Muscle Development and Disease
$ 15,000.00	5/1/00 - 5/31/00	Year 1

John Kuwada, Ph.D.
(RG)  Molecular analysis of outgrowth and sprouting by motor axons
$ 60,000.00	1/1/00 - 12/31/00	Year 3

Summary: Researchers are interested in investigating Sema Z1, a molecule that may have a role in both the outgrowth of motor nerves to muscles and the stabilization of connections between nerve and muscle. Researchers propose to analyze its function by manipulating this molecule in embryos to see how motor nerve outgrowth is affected and in adults to see how sprouting by motor nerves and therefore, the stability of nerve/muscle connections is affected.

Miriam Meisler, Ph.D.
(RG)  Cloning of the mouse neuromuscular disease gene, mnd2
$ 60,000.00	1/1/00 - 12/31/00	Year 2
$ 60,000.00	1/1/01 - 12/31/01	Year 3

Summary: Researchers will isolate a gene that is responsible for a debilitating muscle degeneration syndrome. They will isolate and sequence the mouse and human genes together. The sequence of the disease gene will permit mutation detection in patients and will suggest testable therapeutic interventions to prevent muscle atrophy.

Detroit - Wayne State University

Gyula Acsadi, M.D., Ph.D.
(RG)  Gene therapy for motor neuron diseases
$ 72,151.00	1/1/00 - 12/31/00	Year 2
$ 75,691.00	1/1/01 - 12/31/01	Year 3

Summary: Nerve growth factors have been shown to prevent motor neuron degeneration. Scientists will investigate whether efficient gene transfer of therapeutic growth factors can be successful in muscle and lower motor neurons by using viral vectors for the rescue or even regeneration of lower motor neurons.

Thomas L'Ecuyer, M.D.
(RG)  Myogenesis and the tropomyosin 3' untranslated region
$ 60,000.00	1/1/00 - 12/31/00	Year 2
$ 60,000.00	1/1/01 - 12/31/01	Year 3

Summary: This study investigates the mechanism by which a small portion of a muscle gene that does not produce a protein is able to convert non-muscle cells into muscle.

Michael Shy, M.D.
(RG)  Genotype phenotype correlations in X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMTX)
$ 55,000.00	7/1/99 - 6/30/00	Year 2

Summary: This project is designed to determine which mutations cause more severe disease, how these mutations cause disease, and how CMTX progresses over a three year period.

East Lansing - Michigan State University

Gale Strasburg, Ph.D.
(RG)  Ryanodine receptor calmodulin binding abnormalities
$ 57,615.00	1/1/99 - 6/30/00	Year 3

Summary: Missing calmodulin binding sites on the calcium channel protein caused by channel mutations in malignant hyperthermia and central core disease will be identified.

Return to MDA Research Grants

| What's New | Diseases | Research | Clinics & Services | Community Programs | Publications | En Español | Telethon | Ways to Help | Video | Search | Site Map | Help Now | Home |