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8 | InTouch SUMMER 2024 RESEARCH NEWS UPDATE Introducing... Thank you for your contributions, Arthur! Dr Angus Lindsay, Chair of the Neuromuscular Research Foundation. There have been recent changes to MDANZ’s research trust; but the same aim remains to advance and fund local research for the benefit of New Zealanders with neuromuscular conditions. Angus is a Researcher and the Principal Investigator of the Neurology of Myopathies (NoM) Lab at the University of Canterbury. The research group is committed to elucidating the molecular and physiological mechanisms of neurological and striated muscle dysfunction across a myriad of myopathic diseases. Specifically, studies focus on Duchenne, Becker, limb girdle and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophies, as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The research utilises genetically relevant pre-clinical models of the aforementioned muscle wasting diseases, coupled with genetic editing (transgenic, AAV, and exon skipping), state-of-the-art molecular (mass spectrometry), physiological (in vivo and ex vivo contractility), and bio-imaging (fMRI, PET, spectral-CT) methodologies. Research interests • Neuromuscular diseases • Duchenne muscular dystrophy • Gene therapy • Skeletal muscle physiology • Eccentric contractions • Skeletal muscle injury • Bio-imaging • Stress and anxiety Arthur Young was the Chairman of Trustees of the Neuromuscular Research Foundation (formally known as the Neuromuscular Research Foundation Trust or NRFT) from the time the trust became fully active in 2011. Arthur was an integral part of the Trust’s success and brought to the trust his wide legal, commercial and practical experience. Arthur retired from his role at Chapmann Trip in 2023, and subsequently with his role as Chair. We greatly appreciate all your contributions to MDANZ and the Neuromuscular Research Trust, Arthur. CATCHING UP WITH NEWS FROM THE MDANZ’S RESEARCH TRUST – NEUROMUSCULAR RESEARCH FOUNDATION Above: Arthur Young Above: Dr Angus Lindsay Academic Positions • Senior Tutor – University of Canterbury, School of Sport and Physical Education, Christchurch, New Zealand • Postdoctoral Associate – University of Minnesota, Rehabilitation Medicine, Minneapolis, United States • Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Geelong, Australia • PhilipWrightson Fellow (Neurological Foundation) – Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Geelong, Australia • Sir Charles Hercus Health Research Fellowship – University of Canterbury, School of Biological Sciences, Christchurch, NZ A special mention to Graeme Hammond-Tooke who took on the role of Acting Chair after Arthur’s departure. We appreciate your support of the Trust.