Investigating the pathogenic mechanisms underlying ocular and generalized myasthenia gravis using Xenopus cell-based assay

Dr Chan Koon Ho   (Co-Investigator)

42

2017-04-01

1199856

Investigating the pathogenic mechanisms underlying ocular and generalized myasthenia gravis using Xenopus cell-based assay

Acetylcholine receptor, Actin, ADF/cofilin, Endocytosis, Myasthenia gravis, Neuromuscular junction

Others - Medicine, Dentistry and Health

04151086

Health and Medical Research Fund - Full Grant

2016

Completed

To improve this, this study aims to further validate our recently developed CBA involving the well-established Xenopus primary culture system. We will quantitatively analyse the effects of autoantibodies from a decent amount of banked serum samples from oMG and gMG patients. The pathogenicity of different serum samples on the disassembly of AChR clusters and on the synaptic functions will be investigated. Finally, we will take advantage of this CBA to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms underlying AChR endocytosis and degradation in oMG and gMG patients. Results from this study will enable us to test antibody pathogenicity in vitro, and to gain better understandings of MG pathogenic mechanisms. This CBA may provide a gold standard for the serological diagnosis of MG, and become incorporated into routine practice for the diagnosis in the future.