Congratulations to Mary McElveen, a student at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, who recently earned first place in the Therapeutic Effectiveness/Efficiency category at Discover USC 2025!
Her research, “Levocarnitine Improves Heat Stress Survival in Caenorhabditis Elegans Model of Polyglutamine Disorders,” explores potential treatments for conditions like Huntington’s disease. The Prisma USC SOM HD Center of Excellence in the past has done research in HD patients with low blood levocarnitine levels. They showed that patients with low serum carnitine levels who received levocarnitine supplementation showed improvement in motor, cognitive and behavioral measures.
The research on heat stress in a C Elegans Model of HD and Parkinson’s Disease indicated that levocarnitine improved heat stress survival and won first place its category. Research has shown that Heat stress can exacerbate symptoms and potentially worsen the progression of Huntington's disease (HD) due to the impact on protein homeostasis and neuronal function. We’re inspired by her dedication and passion for improving the lives of those affected by neurodegenerative diseases.
Learn more about Discover USC here: https://sc.edu/.../signature_events/discover_uofsc/index.php
This is why research matters. Donations to HDSA help fund critical research efforts like these—moving us closer to effective treatments and, one day, a cure.
Her research, “Levocarnitine Improves Heat Stress Survival in Caenorhabditis Elegans Model of Polyglutamine Disorders,” explores potential treatments for conditions like Huntington’s disease. The Prisma USC SOM HD Center of Excellence in the past has done research in HD patients with low blood levocarnitine levels. They showed that patients with low serum carnitine levels who received levocarnitine supplementation showed improvement in motor, cognitive and behavioral measures.
The research on heat stress in a C Elegans Model of HD and Parkinson’s Disease indicated that levocarnitine improved heat stress survival and won first place its category. Research has shown that Heat stress can exacerbate symptoms and potentially worsen the progression of Huntington's disease (HD) due to the impact on protein homeostasis and neuronal function. We’re inspired by her dedication and passion for improving the lives of those affected by neurodegenerative diseases.
Learn more about Discover USC here: https://sc.edu/.../signature_events/discover_uofsc/index.php
This is why research matters. Donations to HDSA help fund critical research efforts like these—moving us closer to effective treatments and, one day, a cure.