Cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Lies in Paws of Man's Best Friend

Steve Dale interviews Joe Kornegay, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Neurology) at the 2009 ACVIM Forum & Canadian VMA Convention in Montreal. For the past 25 years, Dr. Kornegay has studied a spontaneous canine disease termed golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD), which serves as an animal model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) of humans. Both conditions are X-linked, occurring due to mutations in the dystrophin gene. His research group has defined key clinical and pathologic features of GRMD to both better understand disease pathogenesis and to also utilize these parameters in assessing treatment efficacy. In recent years, working with collaborators, Dr. Kornegay and his colleagues have studied various treatments (cell, molecular, and pharmacologic approaches) in affected dogs. Results of these preclinical studies should guide use of similar treatment strategies in DMD patients. For more information, please visit www.ACVIM.org.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• canine
• GRMD
• DMD
• muscular dystrophy
• ACVIM
• veterinary
• golden retriever

[PauleQueenie]

Is this parallel speech again?

[PassionOfChrist09]

I hope they finally find a cure for this horrible disease. My little brother Michael has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. We are counting on those doing the research to find an effective cure.