Laboratory research
Investigators at CIMR are dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of genetic muscle disorders and translating that knowledge into treatments for patients around the world. With a multidisciplinary approach, our preclinical and translational scientists work closely with clinicians to bring the latest discoveries directly to patients.
VCU is a site for international research networks focusing on limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) and myotonic dystrophy (MD), with Nicholas Johnson, M.D., director of CIMR serving as coordinating principal investigator:
- Genetic Resolution and Assessments Solving Phenotypes in LGMD (GRASP-LGMD) Consortium
- Myotonic Dystrophy Clinical Research Network
With ongoing studies, our researchers are investigating and striving to develop treatments for the following muscular dystrophies:
- Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
- Myotonic dystrophy
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- Becker muscular dystrophy
- Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
- Spinal muscular atrophy
CIMR Labs
- Carrell Lab: Myotonic dystrophy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
- Hale Lab: Myotonic dystrophy, congenital myotonic dystrophy and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
- Johnson Lab: Myotonic dystrophy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy