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Danijela

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PALS
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Here are some research news from the UK, via MNDA (motor neuron disease association)

Largest genetic study confirms importance of chromosome 9 in MND
20 August 2010
Motor neurone disease (MND) researchers working in collaboration across Europe and the US have confirmed that a region of DNA within chromosome 9 plays an important role in both sporadic and familial MND.

Previous research has revealed that a DNA region in chromosome 9 can pre-dispose people to developing a familial (inherited) form of MND. This however, is the first research to show that chromosome 9 plays an important role in the development of all forms of MND.

The research study, the results of which were published in Lancet Neurology on 20 August 2010, was led by Prof Ammar Al-Chalabi at King’s College London. It studied the entire human genome to identify chromosomes that hold disease-causing genetic areas.

The researchers scanned 663 DNA samples from the MND Association’s DNA Bank. These samples were donated by people with the sporadic form of MND. In addition, 4,519 samples from people unaffected by MND (control samples) from other DNA banks were analysed. The researchers then verified these results using a total of 4,312 samples from sporadic MND patients and 8,425 control samples. Samples collectively came from the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Sweden, Italy, France and the USA.

This study reflects the huge commitment and willingness of the worldwide MND research community to share research information – representing the genetic information of more than 12,000 people. Combining the efforts of international MND research teams has allowed the largest genetic study of MND to have taken place.

Prof Al-Chalabi explains: “We already know that a DNA region in chromosome 9 is involved in some people with familial MND but our work has confirmed that this chromosome actually plays a role in sporadic MND. In fact, our study has narrowed the DNA region to one that contains just three genes.

“Finding which gene in this DNA region causes MND and why, will unlock another piece of the MND puzzle and may allow us to understand enough about the disease so that we can design a specific treatment.”

Dr Brian Dickie, director of research development at the MND Association, adds: “Chromosome 9 has been a suspect for MND genetics detectives for a long time. But pinning down the precise genetic factor involved has proved elusive! It’s exciting that we are making significant progress in understanding this part of the overall MND jigsaw puzzle.”
 
Thank you for the info.. I had not seen this one, thanks for the heads up.. Anything to hang are hat on I will take..
 
very interesting, thanks for posting.
 
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