NML News
Highlights and updates from our neuromuscular research and team.
Best Basic Research Poster Award
Oct 7, 2025
Dr. Smita Saxena received the Best Basic Research Poster Award at the recent 2025 Northeast Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis (NEALS) Annual Meeting held in Clearwater, Florida. Poster title: “Talineuren (TLN): A GM1-Loaded Nanoliposomal Therapeutic Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Proteostasis in ALS”.
Reduced cortico-muscular output is associated with intrinsic hypoexcitability and reduced persistent inward currents in motor cortex neurons of TDP-43Q331K ALS mice
Jan 5, 2026
Dr. Arnold and lab members study examines how amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects neuronal function in the motor cortex and how these changes relate to impaired muscle control - using a TDP-43^Q331K mouse model that mimics key features of ALS.
The Neuromuscular Junction: A Shared Vulnerability in Aging and Disease
Nov 12, 2025
This review highlights shared and disease-specific mechanisms contributing to NMJ impairment, including presynaptic, postsynaptic, and perisynaptic Schwann cell defects in these diseases. We also discuss age-related changes at the NMJ, emphasizing its role in sarcopenia and muscle weakness in older adults. Furthermore, we explore emerging molecular drivers of NMJ dysfunction uncovered through studies in congenital myasthenic syndromes, autoimmune disorders, and advanced omics approaches.
Engineered GM1 Intersects Between Mitochondrial and Synaptic Pathways to Ameliorate ALS Pathology
Jan 5, 2026
Dr. Saxena and lab members investigate a potential therapeutic strategy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
New Publication
Dec 17, 2025
Dr. Moss and Marvis Arowolo published a research article in Glia titled "Aberrant Molecular Myelin Architecture in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A and Hereditary Neuropathy with Liability to Pressure Palsies"
New SfN Regional Chapter
Dec 1, 2025
The new SfN regional chapter "Missouri Show-Me Neuroscience" has been approved.
SfN MiniSymposium
Nov 16, 2025
Dr. Saxena and Dr. Moss organized a MiniSymposium at the 2025 SfN meeting, which featured a talk by Fereshteh Darvishi (Arnold Lab).
SfN Poster Presentations
Nov 15, 2025
Fereshteh Darvishi (Arnold Lab), David Fague (Kundu Lab), Vladimir Omelyusik (Kundu Lab) and Marvis Arowolo (Moss Lab) presented posters at the 2025 SfN meeting.
HSRD Poster Presentations
Nov 14, 2025
Health Sciences Research Day is an annual University of Missouri symposium that showcases original research and educational innovations by students and trainees across the health sciences.
New Publication
Nov 12, 2025
Dr. Saxena, Dr. Moss, Dr. Arnold, Dr. Nishimune and Fereshteh Darvishi published a review in the Journal of Neuroscience related to the 2025 SfN MiniSymposium titled "The Neuromuscular Junction: A Shared Vulnerability in Aging and Disease."
Poster Award
Oct 29, 2025
Azadeh Safaei (Arnold Lab) wins Poster Award at the 2nd Annual NextGen Spooky Poster Session.
MoPhys Talks and Posters
Oct 25, 2025
The annual Missouri Physiological Society conference brings together students, educators, scientists, and translational researchers from across Missouri to advance physiological discovery and collaboration.
CMT Community Event
Oct 4, 2025
The Nerve to Cure: CMT Social + Science Day is a community-centered event at NextGen Precision Health that brings together individuals living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, families, clinicians and researchers to connect, learn and accelerate patient-focused research.
Upcoming Seminar
Oct 1, 2025
The NextGen Precision Health Neuroscience Seminar Series highlights transdisciplinary neuroscience research across the University of Missouri System. Dr. Moss will present on October 13th.
NMSG Conference
Sep 26, 2025
The Neuromuscular Study Group is a collaborative consortium of scientific committed to advancing neuromuscular disease research and clinical trials.
MDA/HNF Learning Lecture
Sep 17, 2025
Dr. Castoro presented a virtual lecture on symptom and pain management in CMT as part of a national learning series hosted by the MDA and HNF.
SfN Travel Award
Sep 8, 2025
Vladimir Omelyusik (Kundu Lab) wins Graduate Student Travel Award from the Society for Neuroscience.
New Publication
Jun 23, 2025
Dr. Moss and Dr. Castoro published a review in Neurologic Clinics titled "Inherited Peripheral Neuropathies."
Upcoming Seminar
Jun 16, 2025
Neuroscience Meet Up is a casual, campus-wide monthly seminar series that fosters friendly, interdisciplinary conversation across the University of Missouri. Dr. Castoro will present on July 1st.
Mini Med School at NextGen
Jun 3, 2025
NextGen Precision Health welcomed high school juniors as part of MU Mini-Medical School, offering hands-on lab experiences and behind-the-scenes tours to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Spotlight Article
Jun 2, 2025
Dr. Moss shared her experience as a Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) clinical trial participant at NextGen Precision Health.
PNS MiniSymposium
May 18, 2025
Dr. Saxena and Dr. Moss organized a MiniSymposium at the 2025 PNS meeting, which featured talks by Dr. Arnold and Dr. Castoro.
NextGen Pathways Conference
Mar 14, 2025
Pathways 2025 is a two-day, systemwide research symposium that brings together faculty, trainees and leaders across the University of Missouri system to showcase innovation, foster collaboration and advance translational science.
Spotlight Article
Feb 7, 2025
Dr. Moss was featured in the MDA's Quest Media in recognition of her research and contributions to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
New Publication
Jan 3, 2025
Dr. Saxena and Dr. Moss published a review in Cells titled "Schwann Cells in Neuromuscular Disorders: A Spotlight on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis"