Understanding how cells that surround motor neurones contribute to motor neurone death in MND.
Principal Investigator: Dr Ben Clarke
Lead Institution: University College London
MND Association Funding: £286,299
Funding dates: November 2023 - October 2026
About the project
Previous research has suggested that the cells that support and surround motor neurones, known as astrocytes and microglia, are thought to contribute to motor neurone death in MND. This research aims to understand how these cells impact disease progression and whether the two cell types work together to cause damage. Researchers will grow the cells “in a dish” by using stem cells of both people with MND and healthy controls. They will then compare the cells and look for changes that happen in MND. Using this knowledge, the researchers will try to manipulate the MND cells to correct the changes. Using the “cells in a dish” approach, the researchers also aim to investigate the interactions between astrocytes and microglia and see if one cell type drives disease in the other.
What could this mean for MND research?
By uncovering the process behind the changes in astrocytes and microglia, that happen in MND, researchers can then identify and design drugs that could target these changes. This will hopefully lead to new potential therapies for MND.
Resources
Project code: 895-791
