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At the 2024 KC One Health Day, Jessica Bennett, a third-year student at Kansas City University (KCU) College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) unveiled compelling new research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Her findings offer hope in the fight against this challenging disease, which predominantly impacts young boys, marking a potential turning point in treatment strategies.
Innovative Approach to a Devastating Disease
"When you see DMD patients confined to wheelchairs by age 12, you understand the urgency of finding effective treatments," Bennett said. The Tennessee native, has been investigating a novel approach to combating DMD – one that draws inspiration from an unexpected source: the retina.
The research examines a special type of eye dystrophin found in the retina, which could be used as a treatment for DMD, and would replace the missing dystrophin protein in muscles. Robert White, PhD, dean of the KCU College of Biosciences and his team have demonstrated that expressing this retinal version of dystrophin can reverse DMD symptoms in laboratory mice, opening new possibilities for human treatment.
From Lab Bench to Clinical Hope
Bennett, who joined White's lab in June, focuses on identifying the genetic sequences responsible for retinal dystrophin expression. "Understanding these sequences is crucial," she said. "If we can activate similar expression in skeletal muscle, we might be able to develop more effective treatments for DMD patients."
The research holds particular significance given the current limitations of DMD treatments. Most patients face a dramatically shortened lifespan, with few surviving beyond their mid-twenties. Current therapeutic options often fall short, making new approaches like Bennett's research critical for future treatment development.
"Jessica has been a fantastic addition to our lab. Her enthusiasm and fresh ideas really shine through in her research,” White said. “She has a remarkable ability to think critically and push the boundaries of our understanding of DMD.”
Osteopathic Principles in Research
As a COM student and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) fellow, Bennett brings a unique perspective to her research. "The osteopathic approach emphasizes treating the whole person, not just the disease," she said. "This mindset has influenced how we think about developing treatments that could improve overall patient outcomes."
The integration of osteopathic principles with cutting-edge genetic research exemplifies the interdisciplinary spirit of KC One Health Day, which answers the urgent need for a trans-disciplinary approach to addressing today's critical global health challenges. It brings together health care professionals and researchers from various fields to share insights and advances.
Overcoming Research Challenges
The path to discovery hasn't been without obstacles. Bennett acknowledges the complexities of genetic sequencing work, describing months of trial and error before achieving recent breakthroughs. "Each setback taught us something new," she said. "That's the nature of scientific discovery."
The next phase of research will focus on translating these laboratory findings into practical treatments. White's team, including Bennett, continues to refine their understanding of the genetic mechanisms involved, working toward the goal of developing effective therapies for DMD patients.
"Presenting at KC One Health Day isn't just about sharing our findings," Bennett says. "It's about connecting with others who might see applications we haven't considered or offer insights that could help advance our work."
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