Experts at the University of Nottingham have received funding to carry out research to better understand what is happening in the heart, brain and muscles of people with myotonic dystrophy.
The leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions is funding Dr Ami Ketley from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.
The project will use a new technique and computer analysis to look at different tissues that have the same genetic information as people with myotonic dystrophy type 1, to understand what is exactly happening in the heart, brain and muscles.
The charity funds research projects that aim to improve diagnosis, monitor progression, and test potential new treatments. The 12 new grants bring the total number of research projects funded by Muscular Dystrophy UK to 51.
Dr Ketley, Daphne Jackson Fellow at the University of Nottingham, said: "Throughout my research career I've been lucky to have close interactions with the Myotonic Dystrophy Support Group; presenting my work, receiving feedback and socialising with patients and their families. This has always been a huge source of inspiration and motivation for me and has allowed me to connect my work in the lab to real people.
"In recent years, the myotonic dystrophy research field has seen a significant push towards developing treatments and therapeutics. This project aims to identify new treatment ideas and understand how they'll work across the different symptoms experienced by patients. I hope the data produced in this study will be a valuable tool in the wider myotonic dystrophy research field to aid in treatment advancement for patients."
Dr Kate Adcock, Director of Research and Innovation at Muscular Dystrophy UK said: "Every year at Muscular Dystrophy UK, we look to fund the highest quality research that will not only bring research forward but also improve the lives of people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions.
"We're always delighted to fund research into a variety of conditions, including Dr Ami Ketley at University of Nottingham. Her project will help us to understand what happens in different tissues of people with myotonic dystrophy."
As well as funding research, the charity also shares expert advice and support to live well now, works with the NHS towards universal access to specialist healthcare and campaigns for people's rights, better understanding, accessibility, and access to treatments.
