Motor neurone biology

Not only do we learn about the advances in MND research at the symposium but we also have an opportunity to learn more about how our motor neurones grow and develop as well as how they normally function.

We first heard from Dr Briscoe about the creation of motor neurones in our body, and specifically, the role and importance of a protein called sonic hedgehog - I kid you not. He explained that sonic hedgehog is integral to the formation of different types of nerve from easily influenced cells – ie they can turn into a variety of different types of nerve (including motor neurones) if given the right cues. However, in order to create a motor neurone, a specific level of sonic hedgehog as well as the right amount of time is needed. This information is important to be able to create motor neurones derived from stem cells to create new models for MND.

The second talk given by Dr Lemon demonstrated that humans have a higher level of dexterity and therefore, may have a higher need to maintain the function of the motor neurones than other animals. He also went on to suggest that as other animals, such as rodents, do not have as refined motor neurone control as humans then we must be aware of this limitation when using animal models of MND. This posed a lot of debate amongst delegates.