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Does Spinal Muscular Atrophy affect muscle stem cells? $140,000 grant to help researchers find out
April 19, 2016
Dr.
Rashmi Kothary
has been awarded $140,000 from Families of SMA Canada to study how Spinal Muscular Atrophy, or SMA, affects muscle stem cells. SMA is the number one genetic cause of death in infants and impacts 1 in 10,000 babies. Individuals with SMA have a genetic mutation which prevents their body from producing enough of a protein called SMN. The lack of this protein causes motor neurons to shrink and die, but little is known about how it affects other cells in the body. Dr. Kothary’s previous studies in cell culture have shown that low levels of SMN make it harder for muscle cells to form fibers, impacting muscle growth. His current study looks even further back to see if lack of this protein causes problems in muscle stem cells. The team will also study mouse models to see how the progression of the condition changes the ability of muscles to regenerate.
Co-investigator:
Dr. Hong Liu
About The Ottawa Hospital
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.
About the 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