UMaine Reserach Team Finds Vitamin-Based Treatment That Could Counter Muscular Dystrophy Symptoms

A group of UMaine researchers led by SBE professor Clarissa Henry, found that by boosting the activity of a vitamin-sensitive cell adhesion pathway, they could increase the potential to counteract the muscle degeneration and reduced mobility caused by muscular dystrophies.

The researchers found that they could improve muscle structure and function in a zebrafish version of muscular dystrophy by supplying a common cellular chemical (or its precursor, vitamin B3) to activate a cell adhesion pathway. Because the same cell adhesion complexes are found in humans, the research team is optimistic that these findings may one day positively impact patients with muscular dystrophies.

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Photo courtesy of UMaine Department of University Relations