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The Leading Strand Webinar Series

Speaker: Dr. Hanns Lochmüller
Title: “Genetic disorders of neuromuscular transmission – congenital myasthenic syndromes”

Abstract:
Neuromuscular junction disorders are a heterogeneous group of acquired (Myasthenia Gravis, MG) and inherited (Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes, CMS) disorders associated with distinctive clinical, electrophysiological, laboratory and ultrastructural abnormalities. The genetic defects in CMS either impair neuromuscular transmission directly or result in secondary impairments, which eventually compromise the safety margin of neuromuscular transmission. More recently, we have identified two genes (DOK7, GFPT1) that cause fatigable weakness of muscles in a limb-girdle distribution, but rarely affecting facial or eye muscles. Next-generation sequencing and deep phenotyping, in combination with international data sharing, reveals new genetic causes of CMS, but also unusual, overlapping clinical phenotypes which blur the boundaries with primary myopathies and motor neuropathies. This highlights the importance of sharing genomics data for diagnosis and research through a secure platform such as RD-Connect. We will cover the significant progress made in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of CMS, which is important for both patients and clinicians in terms of reaching a definite diagnosis and selecting the most appropriate treatment.

Affiliations:
Hanns Lochmüller MD, FAAN
Professor of Neurology | Canada Research Chair in Neuromuscular Genomics and Health
CHEO Research Institute | The Ottawa Hospital | Brain and Mind Research Institute | University of Ottawa

Jan 29, 2021 12:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)