News & Events
New study furthers knowledge of the cause of MND
05 October 2007
Today the BBC reported on the findings of a study carried out by Bath University.
Researchers at the university have discovered a causal link between a gene involved in the formation of blood vessels and the development of some forms of MND.
Mutant versions of the gene's product - angiogenin - are toxic to motor neurones, so blocking this process may stop the disease, they say.
So far the work has been carried out in mice. But the researchers are hopeful that angiogenin holds the key to developing ways of preventing disease progression in humans.
Dr Belinda Cupid, Research Manager at the Motor Neurone Disease Association, said: “Understanding the causes of MND is essential to finding a cure. MND research is greatly hampered by the fact that the cause of over 95% of cases remains unknown.
“Angiogenin and VEGF are related proteins that, amongst their other functions, control the growth of new blood vessels when tissues do not have sufficient oxygen levels. MND researchers have been studying whether they contribute to why motor neurones die in MND, and how these proteins may be used therapeutically to protect motor neurones from this disease.
“These important results add further evidence to this exciting area of research. We hope that one day soon this knowledge can be translated into innovative approaches to therapy.
“Finding effective treatments, and ultimately a cure for MND will require the combined efforts of governments, scientists and the voluntary sector. Together we look forward to a world free of MND.”
Researchers at the university have discovered a causal link between a gene involved in the formation of blood vessels and the development of some forms of MND.
Mutant versions of the gene's product - angiogenin - are toxic to motor neurones, so blocking this process may stop the disease, they say.
So far the work has been carried out in mice. But the researchers are hopeful that angiogenin holds the key to developing ways of preventing disease progression in humans.
Dr Belinda Cupid, Research Manager at the Motor Neurone Disease Association, said: “Understanding the causes of MND is essential to finding a cure. MND research is greatly hampered by the fact that the cause of over 95% of cases remains unknown.
“Angiogenin and VEGF are related proteins that, amongst their other functions, control the growth of new blood vessels when tissues do not have sufficient oxygen levels. MND researchers have been studying whether they contribute to why motor neurones die in MND, and how these proteins may be used therapeutically to protect motor neurones from this disease.
“These important results add further evidence to this exciting area of research. We hope that one day soon this knowledge can be translated into innovative approaches to therapy.
“Finding effective treatments, and ultimately a cure for MND will require the combined efforts of governments, scientists and the voluntary sector. Together we look forward to a world free of MND.”
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Notes to editors
The study is published in the journal Human Molecular Genetics.
