The interdisciplinary muscular dystrophy research and clinical programs in the Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine are an internationally-recognized resource for researchers, patients/families, and physicians.
The overall effort has been named the Wicker Project For Muscular Dystrophy, in honor of Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, a tireless advocate for muscular dystrophy patients and their families.
The muscular dystrophies group has been awarded recognitions such as designation as one of six NIH national Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Centers, one of six National Centers for Medical Rehabilitation Research, a Department of Defense Program Project in Translational Research in Muscular Dystrophy. Dr. Hoffman was awarded the first HeartSongs Award by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, given by Mattie Stepanek.
Clinical programs include the headquarters for the CINRG clinical trials group, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association Interdisciplinary Clinic.
The Murine Drug Testing Core is the largest pre-clinical drug testing facility worldwide, and provides contract services to industry and academia, as well as foundation and government funded research. Dr. Nagaraju, Core Director, helped spearhead the development of international standard operating procedures with the European TREAT-NMD group.
About a dozen Department personnel volunteer their time at MDA summer camps, and the camps serve as a reunion for many researchers each year. Please volunteer!
Please see the links for further information on the many muscular dystrophy translational research and clinical programs