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We exist to advance medical research, improve human health and change people’s lives. You can help us do it.
WHAT WE FUND
Motor neurone disease
Neurodegenerative diseases
Motor neuron disease (MND) can be caused by small alterations, called mutations, in our DNA. Some of these mutations are found in a gene that codes for the superoxide dismutase-1 protein (SOD1). SOD1 normally protects cells from the toxic effects of respiration. When mutated, it accumulates in large aggregates within motor neurons and hinders normal metabolism eventually leading to neuronal death and the symptoms of MND.
Prof Samar Hasnain has been awarded a research grant to investigate the cause, and effect, of SOD1 destabilisation, looking at efficiency of zinc binding and subsequent changes in structure. His research will allow for greater insight into the cause of this debilitating condition.
Neurodegenerative Diseases – Motor Neurone Diseases
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Why there is a need to fund new research
Motor neurone disease is devastating for individuals and their families. It is a family of neurological disorders that affect motor neurones, the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle activity such as walking, speaking and swallowing. As the condition progresses, the motor neurone cells become damaged and eventually die. This leads to the muscles, which rely on those nerve messages, gradually weakening and wasting away. It is a rare condition that affects around two in every 100,000 people in the UK each year but there is currently no cure and life expectancy for about half those with the condition is only three years from the start of symptoms. One of our generous donors, the late Irene Griffiths, wanted to help UK scientists to tackle these dreadful diseases and left a generous legacy in her Will in memory of her parents, Harold and Ena Griffiths. We used these funds to support the research and careers of some of the UK’s brightest young motor neurone disease researchers who, our experts believe, will be the research leaders of the future.
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We fund and support the most promising health research wherever we discover great opportunities that are not being pursued. We use our donations responsibly and ensure we make the greatest impact where it is most needed.
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Thanks to you, our researchers are improving human health, changing lives, and giving hope to people with overlooked and underfunded health conditions.
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