Abstract

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a disorder with a complex aetiology, marked phenotypic variability and malignant progression. Our research program is multidisciplinary and takes place within the Division of Medical Sciences which is one of the most significant concentrations of neuroscience researchers anywhere in the world. Basic neurobiological research has a focus on the role of RNA trafficking and transport using cell culture, mouse models and gene and protein expression analysis to identify the key pathways relevant to motor neurone degeneration. With neuropathology we study comparative neuropathology in human autopsy samples and mouse models. Oxford has a broad community of researchers interested in neurodegeneration, including a number of MRC Units and the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, the highest ranked preclinical department in the country. BioMOx is a longitudinal study to identify biomarkers in MND to improve early diagnosis and understand disease progression using high-field MRI techniques including diffusion tensor imaging at the world-leading FMRIB Centre. Biosamples are analysed with high throughput proteomics and the same group of patients will ultimately progress to post mortem. We also have a strong links with epidemiologists at the University Department of Public Health. This all takes place within a leading UK MND clinical centre which attracts patients from across South and Central England. http://www.oxfordmnd.net