Creation of a national DNA Bank and cell line repository for functional genomic research into the aetiopathogenesis of MND

Description:

The cause(s) of MND are largely unknown but the strongest clues have come from the 10% of patients who have a family history of MND. There is also growing evidence that genes influence susceptibility in anybody who develops MND. Two causative genes have been discovered and the location, but not yet the identity, of six others is known. By identifying the genes that cause MND we will gain crucial insight into the disease process and can then develop more effective treatments. Ultimately, if we can screen a population for MND susceptibility genes we may be able to target preventative treatments to at risk individuals. To find MND genes we need to collect a very large number of blood samples from people with MND and compare their genetic profiles with controls. This would remove a very substantial obstacle to genetic research in this condition. This grant application comes from a team of experienced MND researchers from throughout the British Isles. For the first time we will collaborate to create a large-scale and inexhaustible supply of DNA from white blood cell lines, grown from carefully selected MND patients and controls. We will make the DNA bank available to other researchers in the UK and throughout the world to facilitate and accelerate the rate of progress in this very important field.