ISSUE 54 EWJ web - Journal - Page 89
New Documentary Highlights Pioneering
Scientific Research Into New Target for
Treatment of MND
A new documentary has been released which follows a key discovery made by researchers at UCL
Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre that suggests a promising target for new treatments
to tackle motor neuron disease (MND), a terminal condition.
The documentary highlights the team of behind the
research - Anna-Leigh Brown, Dr Oscar Wilkins, Dr
Matthew Keuss and Professor Pietro Fratta - and their
research at the UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron
Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology. It identified how the loss of a protein (TDP-43)
from the nucleus of motor neurons corrupts the genetic instructions required to make another key protein (UNC13A) that is vital for the normal functioning
of the cells.
Backed by MND charities and the MND scientific
community, including medical research charity,
LifeArc, the short-documentary ‘Turning the Tide’ details the scientific discovery. It shares first-hand the impact on the lives of people living with the disease and
their hopes for ongoing research in the field.
It was funded as part of LifeArc’s MND Translational
Fund to help accelerate promising treatments and
innovations for patients.
MND affects nerve cells known as motor neurons in
the brain and spinal cord that help tell your muscles
what to do. These cells die and muscles start wasting
away meaning people progressively lose the ability to
walk, talk, eat and breathe. Currently, around half of
those diagnosed die within two years and six people
are diagnosed with MND every day in the UK with the
condition currently affecting around 5,000 people.
Lead author of the research, Anna-Leigh Brown, said, “We’ve
known for over a decade that people who have variations in
the UNC13A gene are at a greater risk of developing MND.
By better understanding what goes wrong with UNC13A,
we’ve opened the door to a whole range of possibilities. We
hope that in the future, our work will lead to new treatments
that slow down or stop disease progression and give valuable
time for people living with MND.”
Mr. Vittal Rao
Mr Aruni Sen
Consultant Surgeon
MBBS, MS, FRCS (Ed & Glasg), MD FRCS (Gen Surg)
UK CONSULTANT
Mr Vittal Rao is a Consultant Laparoscopic and Upper
MBBS, MS, FRCS (ENG & EDIN),
GI & Bariatric Surgeon based at the University Hospital
FRCEM, DIP.MED.ED
of North Midlands NHS Trust. He completed his surgical
Medico-legal repor ts for trauma,
Vittal performs the whole range of advanced laparoscopic,
training in Yorkshire and research degree in Hull
upper GI and bariatric procedures. His main fields of work
personal injur y & acute emergencies
include weight loss surgery and laparoscopic (key hole)
of any nature; medical review for clinical negligence;
surgery for hernias and gall stones. With a special
interest in endobariatric procedures and academia.
clinical exper t witness for cour ts, shor t review repor ts
on minor injur y claims. MedCO & CPR par t 35
Expert witness service includes medical negligence
and injury claims pertaining to abdominal wall injuries.
accredited; ICO registered. APIL exper t
He has undertaken extensive expert witness training
and holds the Cardiff Bond Solon Expert witness certificate.
Area of work; Wrexham, Nor th West of England
Areas of interest include:
Weight loss surgery
and the Channel Islands
Laparoscopic surgery including ventral, incisional and
groin hernias and gall bladder surgery
Contact, all postal communication to:
Gall stones
TY YNYS, 4 Sables D’Or, Les Grandes Rocque
Abdominal pain
Castel, Guernsey, GY5 7FS
Reflux disease
Gastroscopy for diagnosis
Umbilical hernia
Alternate Address (no posts please):
Paraumbilical hernia,
40 Acton Hall Walks
Inguinal hernia,
Wrexham, Nor th Wales, LL12 7YJ
Femoral hernia,
Hiatus hernia,
Laparoscopic hernia repair,
Tel: 07779 529026 (Mr s. Jacqui Davies, Secretar y)
Gastro oesophageal reflux disease
Mobile: 07931 542759 - 07839 755001
Contact Name: Mr Vittal Rao - Tel: 07719 495 560
Email: thesens@msn.com
Email: rraovsr@gmail.com - Alternate Email: vittal.rao@uhnm.nhs.uk
Fax: 01481 258472
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
Website: https://infinitysurgery.co.uk
Address: 17 Coppicewood Drive, Littleover, Derby, DE23 4YQ
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APRIL 2024