Peripheral Neuropathies

The Muscular Dystrophy Association has awarded 33 new grants totaling $10,684,481 to fund research projects focused on uncovering the causes of, and developing therapies for, neuromuscular disease.

MDA's Board of Directors reviewed and approved the new grants based on recommendations from the Association's Scientific and Medical Advisory Committees, and the grants took effect Aug. 1.

Human cells treated with engineered transcription activation-like effector (TALE) proteins produced two to three times more frataxin protein than did control cells, a team of researchers has reported.

If you're the parent of a young child who uses a power mobility device, researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children — both in western Canada — are interested in hearing from you. The study is open to U.S. residents.

Treatment with an engineered version of the naturally produced interferon gamma protein enhanced the ability to move, and improved balance and coordination in mice with a disease resembling Friedreich's ataxia (FA), a team of researchers has reported. In addition, treatment with interferon gamma prevented degeneration of sensory neurons (nerve cells) in the mice.

Decision making about preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a complex, multiphase process for couples, a new study has found. Understanding it, the investigators say, may be helpful to prospective parents who know they're at risk for transmitting a genetic disorder, and to the professionals who advise them.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a peripheral nerve disorder that can be caused by mutations in more than 50 different genes. Recent research has resulted in several new tools that will help advance the work of researchers in this field.

Top scientists and clinicians from around the world are discussing the latest research in neuroscience, and the care of individuals with nerve and muscle diseases, at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in New Orleans, April 21-28.

Several experts presented their views of "best practices" for care of people with neuromuscular disorders at MDA's 2012 Clinical Conference, held in Las Vegas March 4-7.

Many questions remain about optimal care in these disorders, but it's clear that attention to heart and respiratory function are of paramount importance.

This article looks at:

More than 500 physicians, allied health care professionals and MDA staff attended the MDA's 2012 Clinical Conference in Las Vegas, March 4-7.

The program emphasized: