MND Risk Factor Identified in Junk DNA

Scientists at the University of Sheffield have identified a new genetic risk factor for Motor Neurone Disease (MND), which if treated could halt or prevent the degenerative condition. The pioneering research focused on genetic mutations in non-coding DNA, often known as junk DNA because it does not directly encode protein sequences.  Non-coding DNA makes up more than 99 per cent of the human genome, but currently is relatively unexplored. 

This research includes new methods for studying mutations in non-coding DNA which could be applied to other diseases.

Experts from the Neuroscience Institute at the University of Sheffield also found that an existing neuroprotective drug developed at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) called SynCav1 could help MND patients carrying the newly discovered genetic mutation said to be present in up to one percent of MND patients.

MND, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) as it is also known, is a disorder that affects the nerves - motor neurons - in the brain and spinal cord that form the connection between the nervous system and muscles to enable movement of the body. The messages from these nerves gradually stop reaching the muscles, leading them to weaken, stiffen and eventually waste. 

Dr Johnathan Cooper-Knock, lead author of the study and NIHR Clinical Lecturer in Neurology at the Neuroscience Institute at the University of Sheffield, said: "Until now scientists have never systematically explained non-coding or junk DNA in relation to the development of MND.

"Not only have we identified a mutation in junk DNA which puts people at risk of developing a certain form of the MND, but we have also found that by targeting the mutated gene with the established neuroprotective drug called SynCav1, it might be possible to halt or potentially prevent the disease progressing in those patients. This is a significant breakthrough in terms of genetic risk factors driving personalised medicine for MND patients.”  

The research was made possible due to unprecedented amounts of patient data collected by Project MinE, an international genetic database which aims to map the full DNA profiles of at least 15,000 MND patients and 7,500 control subjects to perform comparative analyses.

Dr Nicholas Cole, Head of Research at the Motor Neurone Disease Association said: “The findings are encouraging further developments in this largely unknown area. The MND Association is delighted to provide continued support to both SITraN and Johnathan Cooper-Knock and we are grateful to them for keeping us updated on their research. Delving into so-called ‘junk DNA’ is extremely difficult to do and we are incredibly proud that Project MinE, which is also funded by the MND Association, has aided this discovery. 

“The hope of course is that through continuing public support, collaboration and partnership working we will find solutions to unpick the complex nature of MND which will lead to an effective treatment.”
Published in the journal Cell Reports