MND at UQ
UQ-affiliated motor neurone disease researchers
Motor neurone disease (MND) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) are part of a group of complex and highly variable neurodegenerative diseases.
The MND/FTD Collective at UQ is a network of UQ and UQ-affiliated motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia researchers.
Our experienced team conducts high-level research which spans the entire translational research pipeline to fast-track discoveries, treatments and care improvements for people living with MND and FTD.
The MND/FTD Collective brings together key scientists and academic neurologists, their respective research teams, established links to clinicians, established relationships with philanthropy, and stakeholders with lived experience including people currently living with MND and/or FTD and their carers. The Collective will enhance national and international collaborative research efforts and facilitate community consultation to pioneer scientific and clinical discoveries in the field of MND and FTD.
Research
Characterised by the death of motor neurons, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) accounts for the majority of all MND cases. Typical symptoms of ALS include progressive muscle weakness and wasting, which can also be accompanied with changes in thinking and speech. Survival for the majority of patients is very short and there is little opportunity to slow down disease progression.
Researchers who are part of the MND/FTD Collective are determined to change this and have a broad program of research to support translational changes and meaningful outcomes for patients and their families.
Image provided by Ernst Wolvetang, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
Image supplied by FightMND
Theme 1: Clinical Trials
Research investigations where people volunteer to test new treatments, interventions or tests to prevent, detect, treat or manage diseases or medical conditions.
Theme 2: Natural History Studies
Research that follows people over time who have, or are at risk of developing, a medical condition or disease. These studies collect information to generate a better understanding of how a disease or medical condition develops and how to treat it.
Image: Pixabay
Theme 3: Genomics
The study of genetic and genome-related factors that contribute to risk of disease together with non-genetic factors, such as lifestyle and environment.
Theme 4: Drug Discovery, Development and Translation
The process of discovering, testing and bringing new drugs or compounds to the market for the treatment of a disease or medical condition.
Image: Siobhan Remy
Theme 5: Disease Mechanisms
Research that uses laboratory-based models to understand the causes of disease or medical conditions.
Image supplied by FightMND
Image supplied by FightMND
Image: Pixabay
Image: Pixabay
Image: Siobhan Remy
Image: Siobhan Remy
Participate in Research
The MND/FTD Collective at UQ is actively collecting samples for ongoing research projects.
This includes clinical details and biological samples from people living with MND/FTD as well as people who do not have MND/FTD (healthy controls).
Researchers have harmonised their collection procedures for patients, families and controls who wish to be involved in research discovery.
We would love for you to be involved.
Anyone wishing to participate can contact us for more details. We can match you with a relevant research project based on your availability and what you would like your participation to achieve. Any form of participation is greatly appreciated because it will help towards a cure for MND/FTD.
Image captured by Sean Keating, Queensland Brain Institute.
Contact
Associate Professor Shyuan Ngo
Collective Convenor
+61 7 3443 1133
s.ngo@uq.edu.au
Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology,
The University of Queensland
Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital
Professor Pamela McCombe
Collective Convenor
+61 7 3346 6017
pamela.mccombe@uq.edu.au
Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland
Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital
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