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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 Professor, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Neurology, and Medical Pharmacology and Physiology MU School of Medicine Co-Director, Tom and Anne Smith MD/PhD Program
			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 talks with 10 minutes of Q&A

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

			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. - 12:30 p.m. -  Speaker Session
20 minute talk with 10 minutes of Q&A

			Hiroshi Nishimune, Ph.D. Professor, Neurobiology of Aging Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Itabashi, Japan

12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. -  Short Flash Talks
10 minute talks with 5 minutes of Q&A

			Julieth Andrea Sierra Delgado, MD, M.Sc. Assistant Research Professor Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation MU School of Medicine
			Dennis Ossie Pérez López Ph.D. Candidate, Gene Therapy and Immunology Molecular Microbiology & Immunology MU School of Medicine

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. – Lunch

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. – Keynote
Introduction by Richard Barohn, M.D.

			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 talks 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
			William Janes, O.T.D. Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy MU College of Health Sciences

5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. – Poster reception, appetizers and drinks provided (lobby, tent areas)

 

Thanks to our sponsors for their generous support