Muscle wasting in multiple system atrophy
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Research Project Leader
Professor Gordon Lynch+61 3 8344 0065
Project Details
Atypical Parkinson’s includes neurological disorders where patients exhibit some clinical features of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) but have additional symptoms not typically present in PD. One of the most common forms of atypical Parkinson’s is multiple system atrophy (MSA), a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disease with mean survival of only 7-9 years following symptom onset. Motor impairments are one of the most debilitating aspects of MSA and a primary contributor is muscle wasting which robs patients of their strength and capacity to perform daily tasks and live independently. In the worst cases, failure of the breathing muscles and/or heart can lead to death. A therapy to combat the muscle wasting and weakness in MSA is needed urgently. This project will use animal-based experiments to comprehensively characterise the muscle wasting in a mouse model of MSA and to test the therapeutic potential of promising treatments to combat the muscle wasting and weakness exhibited by MSA mice. The findings will be critical to devising ways that can enhance the mobility, independence, and quality of life of patients with MSA and related conditions.
Researchers
Dr Kate Murphy, Senior Research Fellow
Prof David Finkelstein, Head of Laboratory
Professor Gordon Lynch, Head of Laboratory
Funding
Research Opportunities
This research project is available to Honours students to join as part of their thesis.
Please contact the Research Group Leader to discuss your options.