The gene that put Australia on the map for MND research
In March 1993, SOD1 was the first gene linked to MND with the help of Nigel Laing and a team of Australian researchers in WA. As a student at the time, and now a research professor in the MND field, Anthony Akkari witnessed the impact the discovery made in MND research.
Anthony remembers Professor Laing investigating the inheritance patterns in a large West Australian family affected by MND and a discussion with Professor Laing about MND: “It was that particular conversation, on that day, that engaged me as a student, curious and driven to research this inherited MND,” said Anthony. “Later that same year, my own father was diagnosed with MND; these two events turned me into both a neuromuscular disease researcher and carer for someone with MND.”
For Anthony, the history of the SOD1 gene discovery as a cause of MND highlights the strides made in MND research by Australian researchers. “Australia’s MND researchers have always had a view beyond the horizon when working to advance the understanding of MND.”
Professor Akkari has penned an article on the discovery, to access please click the link below.