Uncovering more about genetic changes in brain cells, other than motor neurons, that could be related to the onset of MND.
Principal Investigator: Dr Johnathan Cooper-Knock
Lead Institution: University of Sheffield
MND Association Funding: £283,588
Funding dates: December 2023 - November 2026
About the project
Previous research has identified changes in over 690 genes which may be linked to motor neuron function and MND. However, it is thought that these gene changes are only related to around 35% of cases of genetic MND. The researchers hypothesize that the remaining cases may be associated with gene changes in other cells in the brain, such as astrocytes and microglia (cells that provide support and energy to the motor neurons). This project aims to identify new gene changes in other cells within the brain that might be linked to MND and could account for a higher number of genetic MND cases. The researchers will produce cell models that have these gene changes to help identify new therapeutic targets and provide a tool for testing possible treatments in the future.
What could this mean for MND research?
This project could help us to understand more about the role that gene changes in different brain cells play in MND. Uncovering more about the underlying genetics of MND may lead to the identification of new targets within cells which treatments can be developed to act upon. It could also provide new cell models that accurately represent these genetic causes of MND which will be useful for testing potential treatments for the disease in the future.
Project code: 894-791