Laura P W Ranum,

Fun Fact: I love to hike and my favorite hike is the double tea house hike near Lake Louise, Canada. Our lab focuses on the role of Repeat Associated Non-ATG (RAN) translation, RNA gain of function and protein gain of function in repeat expansion disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) types 5 and 8, myotonic dystrophy (DM) types 1 and 2, and Huntington’s disease (HD). Additionally, we continue to search for novel human disease genes. We are using high-throughput sequencing strategies to look for single-gene mutations that cause novel forms of ataxia, ALS, and neuropsychiatric diseases. Our scientific breakthroughs over the years have depended on partnerships with talented colleagues and students and with members of the community who participated in our research studies. Although much work remains, scientific advances have dramatically increased opportunities for drug development and clinical trials. Our goal is to perform cutting-edge research that will lead to improvements in diagnosis and treatments for neurological and neuromuscular disease.