The role of mutant TDP-43 in ALS [ 2009 - 2011 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr Ian Blair (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Garth Nicholson ,  Prof Simon Hawke

Brief description Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive disease of motor neurons that leads to death within 5 years of first symptoms. The only proven causes of ALS are gene mutations. But known ALS genes only account for 2% of cases. We aim to investigate a newly identified gene that encodes a protein (TDP-43) that misfolds in the motor neurons of ALS cases. We have found TDP-43 mutations in ALS patients. This exciting finding offers a unique opportunity to understand how TDP-43 causes ALS

Funding Amount $AUD 472,977.34

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant