The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research Chair, Muscular Dystrophy Canada

Dr. Toshifumi Yokota has been appointed the inaugural Friends of Garrett Cumming Research Chair, Muscular Dystrophy Canada at the University of Alberta.

Dr. Yokota received his PhD from The University of Tokyo School of Science in 2003. In his current position as Research Associate with Dr. Eric Hoffman’s group at Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC, Dr. Yokota’s research is focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of neuromuscular disorders, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and developing safe and effective therapeutic options.

Dr. Yokota’s contributions to neuromuscular research include identifying the mechanism by which small proportion of dystrophin-positive fibers called “revertant fibers” proliferate through muscle regeneration with activation of muscle precursor cells in dystrophic muscles. He has also demonstrated the first successful systemic treatment of dystrophic dogs using "multiple exon-skipping", which employs synthetic DNA-like molecules as a “DNA band-aid” to skip over the mutated parts of the gene that block the effective creation of dystrophin.

When he joins the University of Alberta in September 2011, Dr. Yokota will continue his work and will be responsible for maintaining effective links with community groups that have an interest in the outcomes of this research.  Regular meetings, forums, and publications will enable the research findings to be disseminated, thus adding to the overall body of knowledge and driving research forward. Dr. Yokota’s responsibilities including building and leading an internationally recognized research program by attracting outstanding students and research associates to the University, building on the strengths and existing resources at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.

About the Chair

Muscular Dystrophy Canada, in partnership with the University of Alberta, raised funds to establish “The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research Chair, Muscular Dystrophy Canada” in muscle disorder research. The motivation behind creating the endowed Chair was to significantly increase national and international research capacity to make the ultimate difference: find a cure for neuromuscular disorders.

Establishing a research Chair began with the determination and vision of three donors in Alberta whose families are significantly impacted by a muscle disorder.  These leaders have been tireless in their efforts to establish the Chair so that their loved ones and thousands of others living with neuromuscular disorders can benefit.

Through the remarkable generosity of family, friends, and community, Muscular Dystrophy Canada has exceeded its fundraising goal by raising more than $1.61 million!  Our important partnership enables the Government of Alberta, through its Access to the Future Fund, to contribute $1.5 million dollars in matching funds, towards the $3 million Chair, considerably leveraging each donation, dollar for dollar.

The community continues to contribute funds to the Chair, which will allow for continuous  enhancement of the research program. To make a gift, please contact Catherine Sherrard, CEO, Toll-Free: 1 866 687 2538 ext. 130 or Catherine.Sherrard (at) muscle.ca.