Analysis of the human neuromuscular junction (NMJ)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Analysis of the human neuromuscular junction (NMJ)
IRAS ID
244717
Contact name
Ross A Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The study aims to determine the structure and function of the human neuromuscular junction (NMJ) across the lifespan. The NMJ is the point of contact between nerves and muscles responsible for movement, and is known to break down in a number of conditions, such as motor neurone disease (MND), for which there is currently no cure.\n\nMost research currently relies on animal models of disease, on the assumption that insights from animal models can be translated to the human condition. Recent findings have shown that human NMJs are fundamentally different to other animal NMJs, with clear implications for translational research. These recent findings in humans are limited to the adult NMJ. This study seeks to determine the structure of the human NMJ in younger age groups, with particular focus on the first to the fourth decades of life.\n\nIn order to study human NMJs, small amounts of fresh muscle are required. These muscles samples can be obtained from patients undergoing a range of operations, and do not cause any harm to the patient, due to the small size of the samples taken. In general, any patient meeting the selection criteria (appropriate age and suitable operation) would be eligible to take part in the study. The study will be conducted in the University of Edinburgh, with tissue samples obtained from patients undergoing operations in NHS Lothian. The study is expected to last around 3-5years to obtain sufficient samples for robust data analysis and conclusive study outcomes.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
20/NS/0008
Date of REC Opinion
27 Mar 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion