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Synthetic RNAs and transgenic pigs advance the fight against SMA
Feb 28, 2012
Several One Health/One Medicine programs feature an animal model, just like this story does.
From Bond LSC News
When MU scientists Christian and Monique Lorson donned their jogging shoes in early October to run five kilometers in the 11th Annual Kansas City Cure SMA Race-n-Roll, they, like other runners, were raising money to benefit kids with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). But for this couple, the event means much more.
Among the participants each year are Lauren Gibbs, 14, and her sister Claire, 13, known at the race as “The Groovy Gibbs Girls.” They both inherited SMA. During the last decade, the Lorsons have developed a close relationship with these girls and their parents, Tim and Natalie Gibbs of Roeland Park, Kan., who organize the run.
“We’ve watched the girls grow up,” said Christian. The families even have vacationed together. The sisters, independent and energetic, never let their physical limitations define them, and they “bring a lot of flavor to our lives,” said Monique.
Such bonds make the Lorsons’ life work personal and very meaningful. These two researchers are contributing to scientific advances that may someday offer better health and mobility to SMA-affected kids such as the Gibbs’ daughters. More…