Our research focuses on understanding the degeneration and regeneration of peripheral axons and synapses, and identifying strategies to protect motor neurons and encourage regeneration.
Our primary focus is on the childhood motor neuron disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy, but we are also interested in drawing parallels between adult and childhood forms of motor neuron disease, and identifying neuroprotective and neuroregenerative strategies which are effective in multiple types of motor neuron disease.
Current projects include:
- Investigating motor unit recovery following Smn restoration and determining how delayed Smn restoration affects the recovery of the motor unit
- Understanding pressures put upon enlarged motor units and developing ways to support them
- Investigating novel approaches to encourage regeneration following administration of approved drugs in SMA
- Identifying novel mechanisms involved in neuromuscular junction regeneration.
