Auinash Kalsotra, PhD
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, US

Working with Dr. Thomas Cooper, Dr. Kalsotra’s research, “Regulatory Mechanisms of CELF Protein in Cardiac Development and Myotonic Dystrophy” aims to identify cellular pathways that are disrupted in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). In the long term, such an understanding might allow manipulations to correct or circumvent the disease process at the molecular level.

John Lueck, PhD
University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, US

Working with Dr. Kevin Campbell, Dr. Lueck’s research, “Understanding Muscle Weakness and Wasting in Myotonic Dystrophy”, will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle weakness and wasting in myotonic dystrophy. The results of this study will not only shed light on the mechanism of muscle disease in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), but will also help unravel the mysteries of other muscular dystrophies. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to discover new avenues of therapy for myotonic dystrophy.