Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre
- Research: 01865 857196; Clinic: 01865 231893
- MNDResearch@ndcn.ox.ac.uk
Overview
Motor neurons are cells which initiate and control voluntary movement. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the commonest form of motor neuron disease (MND) and the third commonest form of neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, is currently incurable. We now know that it arises for a complex set of reasons, including harmful genetic variants and environmental factors.
Research
Our research focuses on the early stages of the disease when we believe there is the most chance of applying effective treatments. In work led by Professor Talbot, we have created models of ALS, investigating the effect of human genetic mutations in mice and in motor neurons derived from stem cells grown from the skin of patients with ALS. In a complementary initiative, Professor Turner’s ‘BioMOx’ Programme is studying patients with advanced MRI scanning and biochemical monitoring (proteins in the blood and spinal fluid) to derive ‘biomarkers’.
Having established some promising approaches in patients with established disease, we are now developing ways of applying these techniques to people who carry genetic risk factors but who may be some years from developing the disease. Our ultimate aim is to identify the earliest changes which occur in the disease and apply protective therapies before the onset of significant disability in those at risk and those already living with ALS.
Anyone who either knows someone or works with patients with MND can understand the urgency of finding out more about the disease. The study is very organised and well explained with friendly, professional staff who were very thorough and patient. It was a pleasure to take part.An Oxford research volunteer
The foundation of our approach is that excellence in research comes from excellence in care. We are one of the major centres for international as well as UK ALS therapeutic trials. All patients attending the Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Clinic are also given the opportunity to engage in other vital research, through participation in genetic and biomarker studies.
Our Team
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Kevin Talbot
Head of Department and Professor of Motor Neuron Biology
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Martin Turner
Professor of Clinical Neurology & Neuroscience
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Alexander Thompson
MRC Clinician Scientist and Lady Edith Wolfson Fellow
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Emily Carroll
Post-doctoral Researcher
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Elizabeth Dellar
Postdoctoral Researcher
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Andrew Douglas
Senior Clinical Research Fellow in Motor Neuron Disease
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Lucy Farrimond
Clinical Research Fellow
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Javier Gilbert-Jaramillo
Postdoctoral Scientist in Motor Neuron Disease
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Elizabeth Gray
Senior Clinical Project Manager
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David Lester
Lady Edith Wolfson Fellow
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Ruxandra Mutihac Dafinca
Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow
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Alicia Northall
Postdoctoral Researcher
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Daniel Plotkin
Project Manager
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Jakub Scaber
Clinical Lecturer in Neurology
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Björn Vahsen
Postdoctoral Researcher and Fulford Junior Research Fellow
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Yinyan Xu
DPhil Student
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Katie Yoganathan
DPhil Student
Research Projects
Families for the Treatment of Hereditary MND (FaTHoM)
Find out about FaTHoM, including information on upcoming meetings.
SUPPORT THE OXFORD MND CENTRE
Our research requires significant resources. While much of our work is funded through grants obtained in open competition from the Medical Research Council, the MND Association and other bodies, we have benefitted greatly from specific charitable donations for research.
Small or large donations make a significant impact on our research by allowing us to develop new projects to the point where they can be competitive for more substantial funding. If you would like to make a donation to MND research in Oxford please contact Beatrice Smith.