Killam Seminar Series: "Leukodystrophies: Much More Than Just Diseases of Myelin"
Speaker: Marianna Bugiani, MD, PhD
Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University medical center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Registration available .
´¡²ú²õ³Ù°ù²¹³¦³Ù:ÌýLeukodystrophies have long been defined as progressive, genetic diseases of the brain white matter, in which myelin is lost or is insufficiently formed, either because of myelin defects or through defects in the oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells. Currents knowledge however, stemming from clinical and basic research, has challenged this definition. It is now clear that genetic defects in proteins expressed by any structural component of the white matter can cause leukodystrophies, including oligodendrocytes, but also astrocytes, microglia, axons and blood vessels. Additionally, many disease entities have been described in which the clinical course is not progressive, but rather static or even improving over time. During my presentation, I will provide examples of selected leukodystrophies, also showing how neuropathology can aid in the identification of the disease mechanisms. Additionally, I will provide examples of how current treatments impact on the pathophysiology, neuropathology and clinical picture.
Supported by the generosity of the Killam Trusts , The Neuro’s Killam Seminar series hosts outstanding guest speakers whose research is of interest to the scientific community at The Neuro and Ï㽶ÊÓƵ.
