Shining a light on MND
From the Big Freeze, a three minute thesis to cutting edge therapies on the horizon – here’s a look at advances in research that are being made across the School and those advocating for better diagnostic tools, improved care, treatment and ultimately a cure.
Image: Prof Danny Hatters & research group members at the Big Freeze, MCG in June
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) also known as ALS, is a progressive neurological condition that affects nerves that control muscle movement. The disease impacts speech, movement, swallowing and breathing. In Australia, on average, each day two people die from MND and two people are diagnosed with MND.
AFL icon and Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher lost the ability to speak because of motor neurone disease (MND), but thanks to AI technology, his family and fans can hear his voice again (The Age, 2025). He co-founded the FightMND charity that raises research and treatment funding through donations, selling beanies and fundraising events like the Big Freeze, held around the country in June.
MND Research in the School of Biomedical Sciences
Situated in heart of the Biomedical Precinct, a number of our laboratory groups are helping lead the way in MND research - here's a snapshot of what they are working on.
Image: Profs Peter Crack, Danny Hatters, A/Prof Peter Crouch & Dr Jeffrey Liddell
Reducing brain inflammation to treat MND
Prof Peter Crack | Dept of Biochemistry and Pharmacology
Inflammation in the central nervous system known as neuroinflammation may play a key role in MND. Prof Peter Crack and his research team are exploring ways to reduce this inflammation by focusing on a specific protein - STmulator of INterferon Genes (STING), using advanced computer modelling, lab testing and drug development techniques.
"By inhibiting STING, we aim to control the neuro-inflammatory response and potentially slow down or halt the progression of MND," Peter says.
If the outcomes are successful, they will form the basis for an oral neuro-protective therapeutic that can be administered to MND patients.
Trouble at the ribosome
Prof Danny Hatters | Dept of Biochemistry and Pharmacology
Prof Danny Hatters and his lab are tackling MND by looking at a genetic issue found in many MND cases where certain proteins abnormally expand. These abnormal proteins interfere with the ribosomes – the parts of the cell that build proteins – and can stop cells from making the proteins they need and may lead to motor neuron death.
"We still do not understand enough about what triggers this disease process…our goal is to determine the molecular mechanisms involved and how we can devise therapeutics to prevent disease from starting or progressing," says Danny.
The Protein That Lost It's Way (Three Minute Thesis)
PhD student, Hanieh Beyrampour, from Danny's lab, summarises her MND research in this 3MT video - watch below.
The Hatters research group also attended the recent Big Freeze at the MCG - in support of the MND research their lab is involved in.
Targeting mitochondria to treat MND
A/Prof Peter Crouch | Dept of Anatomy and Physiology
Peter’s research project is looking at new treatment that targets a specific part of mitochondria. For those with MND, mitochondria (those tiny cells that produce the chemical energy that sustains life) in the nervous system don’t function normally and damage the motor neurons.
"Our project is looking at a new therapy (drug) that can access the central nervous system more easily. This compound could not only help reduce symptoms of MND but also give scientists a better understanding of how mitochondria contribute to motor neurone damage," says Peter.
If the results are promising this could lead to new treatments being developed and tested in clinical trials.
Neurotoxic glial cells role in MND
Dr Jeffrey Liddell | Dept of Anatomy and Physiology
Dr Jeffrey Liddell’s research takes a fresh approach to understanding MND by looking at other types of cells in the central nervous system, namely glial cells which are essential for keeping neurons healthy. But in MND these glial cells become corrupted and toxic towards motor neurons.
Jeff and his research team have found a factor present in people with MND that turns glial cells toxic when grown in a lab. Using advanced techniques, they are studying how the toxic glial cells behave and how they kill neurons.
This research could lead to new ways to treat MND by stopping the damage and complementing existing treatments which are focused primarily on neurons.
Held each year on 21st June, the day aims to raise awareness of the disease to the public.