Novel mechanisms of neurodegeneration induced by dysfunctional actin dynamics in MND

Actin is the most abundant protein in humans. It has many important functions, including forming the synapses that enable nerve cells to talk to each other to co-ordinate movement and brain activites. To perform these functions, actin continuously assembles and disassembles to form long filaments. Abnormalities in actin are known to be present in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease but it is unknown if they exist in MND. However we have obtained exciting new evidence that actin is also abnormal in MND. This project will examine how this occurs and whether already available drugs that regulate actin are protective in MND.