Grant to research MND genetic risk

Not everyone who carries a genetic variant known to cause motor neurone disease will develop the neurogenerative disorder, and researchers want to know why. FightMND has given Perron Institute postdoctoral research fellow Leanne Jiang and her scientific team a nearly $1 million grant to investigate why some people at genetic risk of MND do not develop it.

“Changes in the C9ORF72 gene are the most common genetic cause of MND, but not everyone who carries the gene develops MND,” Dr Jiang said. “For our project, we will use neurons grown from patients’ stem cells to compare gene carriers who have developed symptoms with those who remain healthy.” “By uncovering what protects some carriers, we hope to find ways to prevent MND in others.” Camera Icon Leanne Jiang at the Perron Institute.

Credit: Supplied. MND affects about 2800 Australians and is expected to double in prevalence by 2050. There is currently no cure for the disease.

“If we can identify the molecular drivers of MND before disease onset, we gain a window into the earliest, most targetable stages of neurodegeneration before motor neuron loss has occurred,” Dr Jiang said. Dr Jiang is a scientific advisor and board member at the Motor Neurone Disease Association of WA, and recently returned to Perth after working at the University of Queensland in the UQ Centre for MND Research.

Partner researchers are based in Nedlands, as well as London, Sydney and Queensland, and includes Lisa Gregory, who lives with the disease. “I am truly honoured and grateful to receive my first FightMND grant, made possible by the generosity of so many Australians,” Dr Jiang said.

“Working alongside patients and a wonderful team, I’m excited to begin research that we hope will bring real change for people living with MND and their families.” Council approves bigger alfresco areas and beach activities