Extracellular RNA Biomarkers of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne Muscular DystrophyCurrent methods of measuring the response to new treatments for muscular dystrophies involve the examination of small pieces of muscle tissue called biopsies. The investigators are interested in finding less invasive methods that reduce the need for muscle biopsies. The purpose of this research is to learn about the possibility of detecting and measuring the activity and severity of muscular dystrophies by examining a urine sample and a blood sample.
Biomarker Development for Muscular Dystrophies
Myotonic DystrophyDuchenne Muscular Dystrophy2 moreCurrent methods of measuring the response to new treatments for muscular dystrophies involve the examination of small pieces of muscle tissue called biopsies. The investigators are interested in finding less invasive methods that reduce the need for muscle biopsies. The purpose of this research is to learn about the possibility of detecting and measuring the activity and severity of muscular dystrophies by examining a urine sample and a blood sample, and some muscles in the arms and legs using tests called ultrasound and electrical impedance myography; both tests are painless and non-invasive. The information that is gathered from this study may help to evaluate, prevent, diagnose, treat, and improve the understanding of human muscle diseases.
Myotonic Dystrophy and Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Registry
Myotonic DystrophyFacioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy7 moreMyotonic dystrophy (DM) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) are inherited disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue. The purpose of this registry is to connect people with DM or FSHD with researchers studying these diseases. The registry will offer individuals with DM and FSHD an opportunity to participate in research that focuses of their diseases. The registry will also help scientists to accomplish research on DM and FSHD and to distribute their findings to patients and care providers.
Exploring Accessible Beauty for Individuals With Upper Extremity Deficits
StrokeIschemic14 moreThe purpose of this study is to investigate the accessibility of beauty products for individuals with upper extremity disabilities. By examining various factors such as packaging design, product applicators, and ease of use, this research aims to identify barriers faced by individuals with upper extremity disabilities or visual deficits when using beauty products. The study seeks to provide insights and recommendations for improving the accessibility of beauty products, ultimately promoting inclusivity and enhancing the overall beauty experience for individuals with disabilities.
The United Kingdom Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Patient Registry
Facioscapulohumeral Muscular DystrophyFacioscapulohumeral Dystrophy (FSHD) is the third most common form of neuromuscular dystrophy worldwide with an estimated prevalence of one in 20,000. FSHD is an autosomal dominant genetic disease and is estimated to affect up to 3,000 people in the UK. The aim is to facilitate a questionnaire based research study in order to better characterise and understand the disease in the UK. By maintaining a national registry this will help identify potential participants eligible for clinical trials in the future.
A Study of the Natural History of Participants With LGMD2E/R4, LGMD2D/R3, and LGMD2C/R5, ≥ 4 Years...
Limb-girdle Muscular DystrophyThis study will follow participants who are screened and confirmed with a genetic diagnosis of Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2E (LGMD2E/R4), Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2D (LGMD2D/R3), or Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2C (LGMD2C/R5). These enrolled participants will be followed to evaluate mobility and pulmonary function for up to 3 years after enrollment. Additional participant data will be collected from the time the individual began experiencing LGMD symptoms to the present.
The Natural History of Patients With Mutations in SEPN1 (SELENON) or LAMA2
MDC1ASELENON-related MyopathySEPN1 (SELENON) is a rare congenital myopathy due to mutations in the SELENON gene. MDC1A is a rare congenital muscle dystrophy due to mutations in the LAMA2 gene. Currently, not much is known about the natural history of these two muscle diseases and no (curative) treatment options exist. The investigators aim to study the natural history of SELENON- and LAMA2-related myopathy/congenital muscular dystrophy patients and prepare for future trials by selection of the most appropriate outcome measures. To this end, a standard medical history, neurological examination, functional measures, questionnaires, cardiac examination, respiratory function tests, radiological examination and accelerometry will be performed over an one and-a-half year period.
Clinical Trial Readiness for the Dystroglycanopathies
Muscular DystrophyThe purpose of the study is to describe the early signs and symptoms of the dystroglycanopathies, and to gather information that will be required for future clinical trials.
Genetics of Cardiovascular and Neuromuscular Disease
CardiomyopathyArrhythmia1 moreWe are studying the genetics of human cardiovascular and neuromuscular disease. There are many different genetic regions that have been associated with the development of cardiomyopathy. An equal number of genetic regions have been associated with muscular dystrophy and there is overlap because some of the identical genes, when mutated, produce both cardiomyopathy and muscular dystrophy. We are working to identify genes and gene mutations associated with cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias and muscular dystrophy. We propose to screen these samples for mutations in genes known to be involved in these disorders.
Defining Clinical Endpoints in Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD)
Limb Girdle Muscular DystrophyMuscular DystrophiesLimb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy comprise a group of disorders made up of over 30 mutations which share a common phenotype of progressive weakness of the shoulder and hip girdle muscles. While the individual genetic mutations are rare, as a cohort, LGMDs are one of the four most common muscular dystrophies. The overall goal of project 1 is to define the key phenotypes as measured by standard clinical outcome assessments (COAs) for limb girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) to hasten therapeutic development.