In this episode, join Norah Al-Azzam, an expert in neuroscience and RNA, as we delve into the intricate cellular biology of rare neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Explore the complexities of conditions like ALS, Huntington's disease, Sanfilippo Syndrome (MPS III), and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), gaining insights into the pivotal roles played by RNA, proteins, and sugars. Our conversation spans a spectrum of diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic tools, encompassing genetics, AI, and lessons borrowed from oncology. We navigate through topics such as aging, autophagy, fasting, biofeedback, gene sequencing, environmental risk factors, pharmaceuticals, supplements, nutrition, and even touch on the impact of Ramadan on health and aging.

Strap on your lab goggles and grab a pen. It's time to dive deep into the cell, so that we can better dissect, detect, and defend against neurodegeneration.

**CONNECT WITH NORAH AL-AZZAM**
LinkedIn: /norahalazzam

RESOURCES

COMPANIES
- Abbott
- Eli Lilly
- Illumina
- Inhibrix
- Nanomood
- Neurocrine Biosciences

PEOPLE
- Gene Yeo
- Joseph Wang
- Kelly Doran
- Michael Perry
- Philip Gordts
- Rob Knight

SCIENCE VOCAB
- antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)
- Apo-E
- beta-amyloid
- endocytosis
- glycans
- lysosome
- Lyscosomal storage disorders
- phosphorylation
- RNA-binding protein
- sulfamidase
- survival motor neuron (SMN)
- Tau protein
- TDP43
- Trinucleotide repeat-disorder

STUDIES & NEWS
- Cure SMA
- 'Impaired mitophagy in Sanfilippo a mice causes hypertriglyceridemia and brown adipose tissue activation' (Aug 2022)
- 'The world's first CRISPR therapy is approved: who will receive it?' (Nov 2023)
- 'Unprecedented blood biomarker enables ALS drug approval' (June 2023)
- 'Wearable device and smartphone data quantify ALS progression and may provide novel outcome measures' (Mar 2023)
*Check out Nature Biotech for all the latest and more!

Norah Al-Azzam: RNA and Gene-based Tools for Preventing Neurodegeneration | Episode 68