Grant Summary: Roughly 4 million Canadians are affected by muscular dystrophies such as Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). This disorder leads to a decline in mobility and voluntary activity. Ultimately, this results in high rates of mortality. Muscle wasting is commonly thought to be only a problem of the muscle itself. Yet, muscle stem cell (MuSC) … Continue reading Targeting mitochondrial dynamics and metabolites to restore muscle stem cell function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Search Results for: mobility
International research competition results in funding for innovative Collagen 6- related dystrophy research projects
Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) is pleased to announce two Collagen 6- related dystrophy (Col6-RD) research projects will be funded thanks to generous donors, and a partnership with Cure CMD (Congenital Muscular Dystrophy). Collagen 6- related dystrophies (Col6-RD) are genetic types of muscular dystrophies that include Bethlem myopathy, Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy and intermediate forms (Limb-girdle … Continue reading International research competition results in funding for innovative Collagen 6- related dystrophy research projects
Support someone like Elude today
For years, Elude complained of pain in his legs that would not go away and after several doctor’s visits, he was diagnosed with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy. As his disease progressed, it became increasingly difficult for Elude to complete everyday tasks and his wife, Gaétane stepped in to support. For more than 30 years, Gaétane has … Continue reading Support someone like Elude today
Make a life-changing difference for someone like Lucas
At eight years old, Lucas was diagnosed with centronuclear myopathy (MTM1), which causes severe muscle and lung weakness and greatly affects his mobility. Because of his disorder, Lucas uses a wheelchair, and relies heavily on his family, especially his mom and dad, Sarah and Arnaud, for support with daily activities including personal care and going … Continue reading Make a life-changing difference for someone like Lucas
Rare Disease Day 2022
For the upcoming #RareDiseaseDay, we asked clients “What do you wish you knew about [your neuromuscular disorder] when you were first diagnosed and how did you advocate for yourself along your neuromuscular journey?” Dystrophinopathy | Kiana Bergen Kiana Bergen shares, “One of the things I wish I’d known about Duchenne muscular dystrophy and related dystrophinopathies is this: … Continue reading Rare Disease Day 2022
Gifts in Your Will
Leaving a Gift in Your Will “I am able to remain in my chair for longer periods of time, leading to more independence. Without the generosity of donors, none of this would have been possible.” – MDC client There are several ways you can leave a gift in your will to Muscular Dystrophy Canada: A … Continue reading Gifts in Your Will
Promoting Muscle Repair by Pharmacological Inhibition of eIF2a Dephosphorylation
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating muscle disease that affects ~1 in 3500 boys. DMD is caused by the absence of dystrophin protein in skeletal muscle, leading to chronic degeneration of muscle fibres. Muscle degeneration is initially counteracted by muscle stem cell (MuSC)-dependent muscle repair. However, chronic cycles of muscle degeneration and regeneration lead … Continue reading Promoting Muscle Repair by Pharmacological Inhibition of eIF2a Dephosphorylation
CRISPR mediated gene editing: a novel therapeutic strategy for nemaline myopathy
Nemaline myopathy (NM) is a severe disorder associated with muscle weakness that results in impairments in motor functions such as mobility, speech and eating. Genetic changes also called mutations in at least 10 genes are known to cause NM, with changes in the NEB gene the most common cause. Despite advancing knowledge of what causes … Continue reading CRISPR mediated gene editing: a novel therapeutic strategy for nemaline myopathy
MDC’s Response to the CADTH and INESSS Recommendations for Onasemnogene abeparvovec: A Call for Newborn Screening
At the end of 2020, Health Canada approved Onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma®) for the treatment of pediatric patients with 5q Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) with biallelic mutations in the SMN1 gene and three or fewer copies of SMN2 gene, or infantile-onset SMA, bringing renewed hope to Canadian families affected by SMA. Onasemnogene abeparvovec is the second … Continue reading MDC’s Response to the CADTH and INESSS Recommendations for Onasemnogene abeparvovec: A Call for Newborn Screening
Muscular Dystrophy Canada calls on provincial governments to prioritize persons affected by neuromuscular disorders for COVID-19 vaccine
February 23, 2021 – Many people living with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) are at greater risk of developing serious symptoms and complications as a result of COVID-19 due to their often pre-existing cardiac and respiratory issues and chronic comorbidities. As the voice of the NMD community in Canada, Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) is calling on governments … Continue reading Muscular Dystrophy Canada calls on provincial governments to prioritize persons affected by neuromuscular disorders for COVID-19 vaccine