The UF Myology Institute brings researchers from throughout UF campus, private industry, and other institutions together in a collaborative effort to further the understanding and treatment of neuromuscular diseases.
The focus of the Myology Institute will include basic research on skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle, translational work involving cellular and animal models of neuromuscular and cardiovascular diseases. The Institute will facilitate clinical studies and trials focused on neuromuscular diseases, as well as training programs, national and international meetings, and cores that support the mission.
Director
The UF Myology Institute is lead by H. Lee Sweeney, PhD, a world-renowed researcher on Neuromuscular Diseases. Dr. Sweeney’s research interests are focused on molecular motors of the myosin superfamily, inherited forms of cardiovascular disease, skeletal and cardiac aspects of muscular dystrophy, and small molecule therapy development for muscle disease.
Dr. Sweeney was elected as a Fellow of the American Heart Association in 2001, has been Director of a Paul Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Center since 2005, and also serves as the Scientific Director of the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, an advocacy group whose mission is to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Mission
The mission of the Myology Institute is to unravel the causes and pathophysiology of neuromuscular diseases and myopathies, perform preclinical studies to evaluate novel therapeutics, conduct clinical studies/trials for neuromuscular diseases, and to unite investigators and clinicians at the University of Florida and other institutions who are committed to understanding the basic biology and pathophysiology of muscle and developing treatments for neuromuscular disorders. The Institute will also create important links between the University of Florida and both private and public foundations that support research on neuromuscular disorders, as well as industry partners in therapeutic development.