Investigating the role microglia may play in C9orf72 MND.
Principal Investigator: Prof Kevin Talbot
Lead Institution: University of Oxford
MND Association Funding: £285,000
Funding dates: October 2022 - September 2025
About the project
Microglia are one of the types of ‘support cells’ in the central nervous system and are specifically involved in inflammatory responses, removing damaged cells and maintaining the connections between neurons. There is increasing evidence that changes in the function of the microglial cells may be one factor in the development of MND. The C9orf72 gene mutation is the most common genetic cause of MND, and the protein made from this gene is found in high amounts in microglia, suggesting that the mutation may contribute to the alterations in microglial cells. This project aims to investigate the role that changes in microglia may play in the disease and whether these changes are a result of the C9orf72 mutation. It will use stem cells from those with MND who have a C9orf72 mutation to create both motor neurons and microglia to observe how microglia with mutant C9orf72 initiate problems in motor neurons.
What could this mean for MND research?
Investigating and understanding the role that microglia play in the development and progression of C9orf72 MND may help to identify new therapeutic targets for future treatments.
Project code: 889-791