FOCUS OF CURRENT RESEARCH PROGRAMS

The 15 Principal Investigators all have on-going research programs that are relevant for a large number of neuromuscular diseases and conditions (see below).  In this context, it is therefore not surprising to see that a wide
range of complementary approaches for studying basic research questions are routinely employed.  This expertise includes biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, virology, genetics, physiology, neuroscience and transgenic mouse technology.  A few examples of the research questions
currently being addressed in the Centre are listed below:

Cytoprotective mechanisms of K+(ATP) channels in muscle.

Protein-protein interactions involved in the localization of ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors at postsynaptic sites in skeletal muscle fibers and neurons.

Assembly, maintenance and plasticity of the neuromuscular junction.

Muscle fibre type-specific expression of neurotrophins and different myosin heavy chain isoforms.

Identification of disease genes using high-throughput genotype, linkage analysis and positional cloning.

Role of chromatin remodelling in the pathogenesis of neurological and neuromuscular diseases.

Role of cytoskeletal crosslinker proteins in the maintenance of neuron, skeletal muscle, and Schwann cell integrity.

Role of protein kinase effectors in the maintenance of cardiac and skeletal muscle cell integrity.

Development of animal models for the study of neuromuscular disorders.

Role of DM kinase in skeletal muscle function.

Identification of agents affecting transcription via high-throughput screening.

Mechanisms involved in the cytoprotective effects of anti-apoptotic genes.

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