Managing Calcium Overload Identified as Novel Therapeutic Approach in Treating Injured Muscle Fibers
March 16, 2021
Mutations in a calcium ion channel anoctamin 5 (ANO5), commonly found in muscle cells, cause the debilitating disease called limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2L (LGMD2L). Characterized by progressive adult-onset muscle weakness, LGMD2L patients are often asked to “keep mobile” with no specific guidelines on the type or intensity of activities but weakness in muscles of the calves, thighs, and arms makes it difficult for patients to tolerate physical activity.
“There are no therapies available,” said Jyoti Jaiswal, PhD, principal investigator at Children’s National Hospital’s Center for Genetic Medicine Research.