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M.D. (1964)
University of Pennsylvania
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Robert
C. Griggs
Professor and Chair of Neurology
Primary Appointment:
Neurology
GEBS Cluster Affiliations:
NS
- Neuroscience
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Research:
Experimental Therapeutics of Muscle Disease |
Contact Information:
E-Mail: Robert_Griggs@urmc.rochester.edu |
University of Rochester
School of Medicine and Dentistry
601 Elmwood Ave, Box 673
Rochester, New York 14642
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Medical Center 5-4327
Phone: (716) 275-2541
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Research
Overview
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| Dr. Griggs' laboratory is investigating the molecular
and cellular basis for abnormalities of muscle metabolism in
patients with neuromuscular disease. Since the genetic basis
for many muscle diseases has been at least partially defined,
the effect of molecular defects on muscle protein and carbohydrate
metabolism are being studied. Skeletal muscle protein synthesis
is determined by tracer studies with stable isotope-labeled
amino acids.
The effects of potential therapeutic agents on muscle strength
and metabolism are evaluated in order to develop new treatment
for human muscle disorders. Our studies in Duchenne dystrophy
demonstrated that prednisone produces a sustained improvement
in muscle strength. Studies in progress are addressing the
mechanism of this improvement and the effect of corticosteroids
on muscle metabolism in patients with neuromuscular disease
and in normals.
Both genetic and experimental therapeutic studies of facioscapulohumeral
dystrophy (FSHD) are ongoing. The genetic arm is designed
to localize further and define the FSHD gene. A pilot trial
of albuteral has demonstrated an increase in muscle mass in
additional studies of the effectiveness of this agent and
its mechanism of action are in progress.
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Recent Publications
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- Ptacek, L.J., K.J. Johnson and R.C. Griggs. 1993.
- Genetics and physiology of the myotonic muscle disorders.
N. Engl. J. Med. 328:482-489.
- Griggs, R.C., R. Tawil, D. Storvick, J.R. Mendell and
M.R. Altherr. 1993.
- Genetics of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: New
mutations in sporadic cases. Neurology 43:2369-2372.
- Rifai, Z., S. Welle, R.T. Moxley, III, M. Lorenson and
R.C. Griggs. 1995.
- Effect of prednisone on protein metabolism in Duchenne
dystrophy. Am. J. Physiol. 268:E67-E74.
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