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We work to translate an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of disease at the neuromuscular synapse into treatments. Our work led us to be commissioned to provide a National Advisory and Diagnostic Service for congenital myasthenic syndromes.

Our work focuses on key molecules of the nerve muscle synapse
Our work focuses on key molecules of the nerve muscle synapse

Overview

We study diseases that affect neuromuscular transmission, with the major focus on mutations of muscle acetylcholine receptors (AChR) and of proteins that govern synaptic structure.

Research

The neuromuscular synapse is both well understood and accessible for study. Functional analysis of mutations at the molecular level can be directly correlated with measurements of defective synaptic transmission in vivo and with the clinical features of the patients.

The work ranges from the studies of single channels, through to animal models of disease, to phenotypic characterisation of patients. It provides translational research of bedside to bed and back, with the bench research generating data directly relevant to patient treatment regimes. Moreover, a detailed knowledge of inherited dysfunction of neuromuscular transmission forms a paradigm for investigation of other neurological syndromes that may result from defective synaptic transmission in the CNS.

 

Available Student Projects

  • Develop a positive allosteric modulator of skeletal muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
  • Study the ultrastructure of the neuromuscular junction using FIB milling and cryo electron tomorgraphy

Our team

Selected publications

Latest publications