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Genetic muscle-wasting disease follows different patterns depending on severity
August 3, 2016
The number one genetic cause of death in infants is Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a condition that causes debilitating and often fatal muscle weakness. In a study published in
Scientific Reports
, Dr.
Rashmi Kothary
and his team found that the muscle degradation process in animal models of SMA varies depending on how severe the disease is. This suggests that different types of SMA may need different kinds of treatment. The team also found that a compound called trichostatin A (TSA) could reverse all molecular changes associated with muscle atrophy in animal models. While this compound is not suitable for use in humans, further research will study the mechanisms of how TSA is reversing muscle atrophy, which could pave the way for new treatments for SMA.
Co-authors: Marc-Olivier Deguise, Justin G. Boyer, Emily R. McFall, Armin Yazdani, Yves De Repentigny & Rashmi Kothary
Funders: Families of SMA Canada, Muscular Dystrophy Association (U.S.A), Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
The Ottawa Hospital: Inspired by research. Driven by compassion
The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals with over 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff and an annual budget of over $1.2 billion. Our focus on research and learning helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care.
University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is home to over 50,000 students, faculty and staff, who live, work and study in both French and English. Our campus is a crossroads of cultures and ideas, where bold minds come together to inspire game-changing ideas. We are one of Canada’s top 10 research universities—our professors and researchers explore new approaches to today’s challenges. One of a handful of Canadian universities ranked among the top 200 in the world, we attract exceptional thinkers and welcome diverse perspectives from across the globe. www.uottawa.ca
For further information, please contact
Amelia Buchanan
Senior Communication Specialist
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Office: 613-798-5555 x 73687
Cell: 613-297-8315
ambuchanan@ohri.ca