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The NextGen Precision Health Motor Neuron Symposium will unite esteemed colleagues, researchers and guests dedicated to the exploration and advancement of motor neuron science. Our goal is to share insights, discoveries and advancements that are paving the way for a deeper understanding of motor neuron diseases (MND). 

In recent years, the field of motor neuron research has witnessed remarkable progress. Groundbreaking studies have identified novel genetic mutations linked to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), offering new targets for therapeutic intervention. Creating patient-specific motor neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has revolutionized our ability to model diseases in vitro, allowing for more precise drug screening and personalized medicine approaches. Additionally, the application of advanced neuroimaging techniques has provided unprecedented insights into the structural and functional changes occurring in the motor neurons of patients with MND.

As we embark on this journey of knowledge sharing and collaboration, let us be inspired by the progress we have made and remain committed to the collective goal of finding cures and improving the lives of those affected by motor neuron diseases. Join us at the largest ALS symposium in the Midwest. 

 

Friday, October 11  |  Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Building

8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. - Check-in

8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. - Introduction

			David Arnold, M.D. Executive Director NextGen Precision Health Initiative
			Richard Barohn, M.D. Hugh E. & Sarah D. Stephenson Dean MU School of Medicine
			Smita Saxena, Ph.D. Professor, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation MU School of Medicine

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Speaker Sessions: Preclinical Research

20-minute lectures with 10 minutes of Q&A

			Sabine Liebscher, M.D., Ph.D. Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich
			Colin Franz, M.D., Ph.D. Assistant Professor Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Neurology Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
			Xing Song, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Biomedical Informatics, Biostatistics and Medical Epidemiology University of Missouri School of Medicine

10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.  - Break time (coffee, snacks, networking)

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Keynote address 

			Laura Ranum, Ph.D. Director of the Center for NeuroGenetics Professor, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology University of Florida College of Medicine

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. -  Early Career Flash Talks

10-minute lectures with 5 minutes of Q&A

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. – Lunch

2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. – Keynote address 

			Angela Genge, M.D. Director, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Clinic The Neuro, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  - Speaker Sessions: Clinical Research 

20-minute lectures with 10 minutes of Q&A

			Erik Ensrud, M.D. Professor, Neurology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation MU Health Care
			Stephen Kolb, M.D., Ph.D. Professor, Neurology and Biological Chemistry & Pharmacology Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
			Bill Janes, O.T.D. Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy University of Missouri College of Health Sciences

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. – Poster reception, appetizers and drinks provided (lobby, tent areas)