Episode 160 BEaTS Research Radio - Using molecular scissors to fix a gene mutation in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Artwork

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Each week on BEaTS Research Radio at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, early-career scientists and investigators deep dive into the ever-changing, rapidly evolving world of Science in one-on-one conversations with some of the planet's most brilliant Scientists, breaking down the science in terms you can understand

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BEaTS Research Radio's Podcast

Episode 160 BEaTS Research Radio - Using molecular scissors to fix a gene mutation in Spinal Muscular Atrophy

October 13, 2023 • BEaTS Research Radio • Season 1 • Episode 160

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a devastating genetic disease that causes muscle weakness and atrophy (shrinking of muscles) in children. There is currently no cure for this disease; however, base editing, a type of gene therapy, provides potential. Dr. Rasthmi Kothary is the Deputy Scientific Director and Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. His lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms that underlie muscle and nervous system integrity. In this episode, Dr. Kothary gives us a greater insight on what SMA is, how it is currently being treated, and his research so far on a new base editing system to potentially cure this disease.

Episode produced & hosted by: Nicole Chu

Learn more: https://www.ohri.ca/profile/rkothary