Summary: The Transverse Myelitis Association collaborated with Rare Genomics Institute to host an “Ask the Experts Podcast”. Rare Genomics Institiute (RGI) is a non-profit organization that gives families afflicted by rare genetic disorders access to genome sequencing and expert analysis. RGI helps patients with orphan diseases initiate and fund personalized research projects through a dedicated crowd-funding platform and a highly selective network of leading academic scientists and commercial institutions across the globe.Our first Ask the Expert Podcast featuring Dr. Benjamin Greenberg and Dr. Allen DeSena from the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, moderated by RGI's president, Dr. Jimmy Lin was held on February 7, 2013 at 7 pm EST.The podcast started with a 30-minute discussion of recent developments in technology applicable to rare diseases. Dr. Cathleen Lutz from The Jackson Laboratory discussed how mice are used in scientific research as models for developments in genomics and biotechnology. Specifically, the discussion helped the audience better understand how scientists develop mouse models and how they can be used to advance research for rare diseases.It was followed by a 60-minute discussion focused on the management of symptoms that affect individuals who have been diagnosed with the rare neuro-immunological disorders (Transverse Myelitis, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, Optic Neuritis and Neuromyelitis Optica) with Drs. Benjamin Greenberg and Allen DeSena. They answered questions about treatments, symptom management and other questions from the audience.
