Investigating how genetic changes called repeat expansions might play a role in MND risk.
Principal Investigator: Dr Russell McLaughlin
Lead Institution: Trinity College Dublin
MND Association Funding: £180,000
Funding dates: July 2025 - September 2026
About the project
This research aims to delve deeper into the genetics behind MND. A significant amount of research has looked at genetic MND where there is simple “typo” or mistake in a gene. Think of this like a sentence with a single spelling mistake. However, research suggests that more complicated mistakes called repeat expansions could play a role in the risk of developing MND. In a gene with a repeat expansion, the mistake is repeated hundreds or even thousands of times. In this study, the researchers will investigate how repeat expansions can affect the brain cells and other connections within the brain.
What could this mean for MND research?
It is hoped that this research will highlight key biological process which are potentially central to the development and progression of MND. This, in turn, will provide new potential targets for the development of new therapies.
Project code: 891-791