NEUROMUSCULAR BANK OF TISSUES AND DNA SAMPLES

Our bank collects DNA, muscle specimens and other tissues from patients affected with a variety of neuromuscular disorders. Up to date more than 6000 samples have been collected and about 200 specimen are distributed every year to Telethon users and collaborating scientists all over the world. Concrete results are shown by the number of samples collected each year (over 400), or shipped to scientists, the number of scientific publications produced and the number of collaborators using samples from the bank. In addition several patients received an updated molecular diagnosis and members of their families could therefore have accurate prenatal diagnosis. On a long term overview, further benefits can be expected both by physiopathological research in the field of muscle disorders and by the possibility offered through the availability of tissues of new diagnostic developments and therapeutic tools in the field.