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Join us on February 9th, 2024, at the 33 Queen Square Lecture Theatre in the heart of Queen Square, to explore groundbreaking and latest MSA clinical and basic science research.
From diagnostics and biomarkers to drug trials and interventions, the MSA Research Symposium promises a day of discussions and updates, shaping the trajectory of MSA research. This is where clinical insight meets scientific rigor and industry collaboration. Seize the opportunity to connect with pioneers like Sir John Hardy and Prof Claudio Soto, delve into alpha-synuclein genetics, navigate the intricate pathways of MSA with experts such as Prof Henry Houlden, Prof Sonia Gandhi, Prof Stephen Gentleman and learn from movement disorders experts like Prof Kailash Bhatia, Prof Michele Hu, Dr Valeria Iodice, Dr Nicola Pavese and Dr Wendi Phillips.
Event organised by Dr Viorica Chelban, UCL and the MSA Trust.
Agenda
9.30-10.00 Registration & Coffee
10.00-10.10 Opening remarks. Prof Sonia Gandhi, Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology
10:10–11:00 New insights into alpha-synuclein genetics and biomarkers
Chair: Prof Sonia Gandhi, Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology
- Genetic analysis of synucleinopathies. Sir John Hardy. UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology
- Biochemical, biological and structural studies of alpha-synuclein aggregates in Multiple System Atrophy. Prof Claudio Soto, University of Texas Medical School, USA
11.00-12.15 Alpha-synuclein structure, pathways, and genetic risks in MSA
Chair: Prof Henry Houlden, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology
- Is Multiple System Atrophy a distinct strain of alpha-synucleinopathy? Prof Stephen Gentleman, Imperial College London, UK
- The role of oligodendrocytes in synucleinopathies. Prof Sonia Gandhi, Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UK
- Targeting autophagy to counteract alpha-synuclein-related pathology in MSA. Maria Xilouri, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece.
- Genetic risks in patients presenting with MSA. Dr Viorica Chelban. UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology.
12.15-12.30 Refreshments Break
12.30-13.30 MSA research: From patient to bench and back to the patient
Chair: Dr Christopher Kobylecki, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford
- Setting-up a biobank for research into neurodegenerative diseases. Amanda Helsegrave. Biomarkers lab, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology
- Neuroimaging tools for MSA diagnosis and progression, Nicola Pavese, Newcastle.
- ClearSpeechTogether versus standard NHS speech intervention: A single, mixed method, rater-blinded pilot randomised controlled trial for people living with MSA-C. Prof Anja Lowit, Strathclyde University Glasgow.
13.30-14.30 Lunch Break
14.30- 15.45 Diagnosing MSA in early disease stages
Chair: Prof Michele Hu, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
- Difficulties in diagnosis of prodromal MSA. Dr Wendi Phillips. Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
- Clinical markers in early MSA disease stages. Dr Yen Goh. UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UK
- MSA mimics in early stages of disease: clinical challenges and pathways to diagnosis. Prof Kailash Bhatia, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UK
- The Queen Square Autonomic Prodromal (QSA-PRODROMAL) Study. Dr Valeria Iodice, Department of Brain Repair & Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UK
15.45- 16.00 Refreshments Break
16.00-16.30 Ongoing MSA drug trials and latest updates
Chair: Prof Nick Wood, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UK
- Ampreloxetine for the treatment of nOH in MSA: Clinical Trial Update. Dr Valeria Iodice, Department of Brain Repair & Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UK
- Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapy for MSA: Horizon Trial Update. IONIS Pharmaceuticals. Katherine Meilleur, IONIS Pharmaceuticals
16.45- 17.00 Closing Remarks
17.00-18.30 Drinks Reception
Contact
Please contact eleanor.jarvis@msatrust.org.uk if you require any additional information.