Research field of the BMG group
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal (voluntary) muscles of the body.
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The BMG group investigates possible causal factors for MG. They use population data and compare between regions in Norway and cohorts from different countries with varying genetic and environmental factors.
The group was the first to prove that subgroups of MG patients have antibodies against the calcium channel ryanodine receptor and titin. The group is mapping these antibodies' significance as diagnostic and prognostic markers and as indicators of therapeutic response. They have investigated possible heart affections by MG as a result of cross-reacting antibodies. Antibodies in MG are particular important during pregnancy since they pass through the placenta. Neurological disease and consequences of pregnancy, childbirth and the newborn are central fields. The thymus gland is a key organ in MG, and the BMG group has been part of establishing the thymus as disease mediator by detecting muscle antigens in the thymus and thymoma, and antigen presenting capacity in thymoma.
10 PhD degrees has in been completed on MG in the BMG group. The group has been partner in several EU-projects and participates in a broad international collaboration. They have supervised four students in the Medical Student Research Programme, and cooperates closely with other research groups in neurology, both within laboratory medicine and register epidemiology.