Dr Melissa Nel

Research Interests

My research focuses on investigating the genetic basis of neuromuscular disorders (NMDs), a diverse group of inherited diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscle which can manifest across the human lifespan causing either premature death or progressive disability. Recent advances in genomics have developed biomarkers and treatment strategies for NMDs which have previously been incurable, although Africans have to date been largely neglected in the study of these disorders. Our research group uses whole genome sequencing to study the DNA of African NMD patients to identify the spectrum of genetic mutations underlying these disorders in Africa.

Research Areas

Neurogenetics • Neuroethics