The Future of Myasthenia Gravis: Exploring the Onset, Progression and Implications of Disease
Author
Paluszcyk, Chana ReneeIssue Date
2016Keywords
Complement systemMyasthenia gravis
nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Autoimmune
Advisor
Wilson, Jean
Metadata
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The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease whose name means "grave muscular weakness". MG is a rare disease affecting only 200-400 persons per million and the characteristic symptoms include muscle weakness, particularly in highly active voluntary muscles. MG affects the neuromuscular junction in an antibody-mediated manner, resulting in impaired nerve-muscle cell communication in affected individuals. Specifically, two main proteins are targeted: nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (ACh receptors) and a muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK). Previous studies have discovered the mechanism of MG pathogenesis but the exact mechanisms which cause the failure to maintain self-tolerance have not been discovered. Based on current knowledge of MG, this paper will explore potential causes of the disease and provide numerous hypotheses directed at future research opportunities.Type
textElectronic Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.Degree Level
mastersDegree Program
Graduate CollegeCellular and Molecular Medicine