Perth researcher wins $1m to find genetic shield against MND
Dr Leanne Jiang received nearly $1 million to study why some people carrying the C9ORF72 gene don't develop motor neurone disease.
Not everyone with the genetic variant that causes motor neurone disease develops it. Jiang's team will grow neurons from patients' stem cells to compare carriers who became ill with those who stayed healthy.
By identifying what protects some people, they hope to prevent MND in others. The disease affects about 2,800 Australians and cases are expected to double by 2050.
There is currently no cure. If researchers can find molecular drivers before symptoms appear, they may open a window for early treatment.
- Nearly $1 million
- Grant amount
- About 2,800
- Australians with MND
- Double by 2050
- Expected prevalence increase
- C9ORF72 gene
- Genetic cause studied
Why it mattersUnderstanding genetic protection could shift treatment from managing MND to preventing it entirely, potentially saving lives.
AustraliaAustralian MND sufferers and their families could benefit from prevention breakthroughs within the next decade if this research succeeds.
