ALSMND

03 November 2009

A major new £4.6 million research initiative involving leading motor neurone disease (MND) researchers was announced yesterday evening by the Wellcome Trust and the Medical Research Council (MRC).

It has long been suspected that similarities exist in the way nerve cells degenerate in different neurological diseases. Several recent discoveries suggest that this is particularly true for MND and a form of dementia called fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) which both have abnormal deposits of the RNA processing proteins TDP-43 and FUS.

Building on his recent discovery of TDP-43 and FUS gene mutations in MND patients, Prof Chris Shaw, based at King's College London, is leading an international consortium of researchers to develop a series of new disease models that will mimic key features of MND and FTD in the laboratory.

"Recent discoveries have placed these RNA processing proteins 'centre-stage' in both MND and FTD," explains Prof Shaw. "RNA processing is vital to cellular function and survival, as it governs the manufacture of all proteins which are the building blocks of all cells. As our nerve cells are built to last us a lifetime, any disruption of this process will have damaging long-term consequences.

"We are extremely pleased to have received this grant. The new disease models we develop will help us to understand the biochemical events that initiate the degeneration of nerve cells in these disorders and will be used to accelerate drug discovery."

Prof Colin Blakemore, president of the MND Association and one of the UK's most respected scientists, welcomed the announcement:

"This major grant from the MRC and the Wellcome Trust is another indication of the recognition of the importance and broader relevance of research on MND.

"The discovery of a number of genetic mutations that underlie the rare inherited forms of MND could help us to understand common, non-inherited forms of MND but also other degenerative diseases of the nervous system. It is wonderful to see this concentration of funding aimed at understanding the origins of these terrible diseases."

Dr Brian Dickie, director of research development at the Association, added:

"This is a wonderful example of scientists from different disciplines coming together to work on a common problem. The collaborative thinking of the researchers has been made possible by the collaborative funding from the UK's major medical research funding bodies. This research could make major inroads into understanding MND."

Contact:

For media enquiries please contact Louise Coxon communications manager
01604 611843/07760 765142
louise.coxon@mndassociation.org