THE research team trying to find new treatments for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy has entered this year’s Oxford Town and Gown run.

Oxford University laboratory researchers are forming a team to take part in the 10k charity run, which raises money for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

On Sunday, May 10, runners will gather to create a sea of orange shirts as they take part in the run around the city’s iconic parks and historic buildings.

One team member, research scientist David Burns, said he enjoyed taking part in charity runs and was looking forward to being part of the “10 Kay team”, named after Professor Kay Davies who is in charge of the research.

He added: “I’m particularly motivated to do this run as I’m funded by Muscular Dystrophy UK to find a therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy [DMD].

“I though it would be great for my research group to enter a team. Events like this are important to raise awareness of muscle-wasting conditions and funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

“I run most days and have completed a few marathons. I have been training hard for this race and have organised group training sessions, a few members have never run this far before and for them this will be a huge achievement.”

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a life-shortening muscle-wasting condition, caused by the lack of a vital muscle protein called dystrophin.

The condition affects about 2,500 people in the UK and causes muscles to weaken and waste over time, leading to increasing and severe disability.

Most children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy are diagnosed by the age of five and in a wheelchair by the age of 12.

Few of those born with the condition currently live to see their 30th birthday, but life expectancy is improving.

Mr Burns added: “I work in the laboratory of Professor Kay Davies and we work on modulating utrophin as a therapy for DMD.

“Utrophin is a similar protein to dystrophin, the protein absent or non-functional in patients with DMD.

“Utrophin has been shown to to be able to compensate for the lack of dystrophin.

“The team is hoping to raise over £250 and eight to 10 people who all work within Kay Davies’ laboratory will form the team.”

Last year more people than ever before took part in the annual 10k run and raised £150,000 for the charity.

Toya Champ, Muscular Dystrophy UK Challenge Events Manager, said: “2015 is set to be another record-breaking year for the Oxford Town and Gown 10k.

“We have received tremendous support from Oxford runners, residents and the university and city council. All those who register to take part in the Oxford Town and Gown 10k help to fund the work of Muscular Dystrophy UK.”