An integrated analysis of axonal transport in vitro and in vivo in models of motor neurone disease

Description:

What this research means to you: This project will use highly specialised imaging techniques to look at some of the damaging processes occurring in the motor neurones of mice that model MND. The researchers aim to gain more understanding of the mechanisms behind MND and as a result may be able to identify ways of treating the disease.

The researchers explain in more detail: “Currently, the mechanisms that underlie MND are not fully understood. However, some evidence suggests that the disease may involve defects in the transport processes within motor neurones, which normally ensure that nutrients and other essential compounds are moved to where they are needed in the cell. The aim of this project is to correlate deficits in these transport processes with disease progression and severity in mouse models of MND. This will be achieved through the use of specialised imaging techniques, which will be used to examine the motor neurones of mice at various stages of disease progression. Identification of a direct link between reduced transport in motor neurones and muscle dysfunction will improve our understanding of the mechanisms causing MND and may identify novel targets for the development of effective treatments.”