January 2015

MND Australia Research Update December 2014

This research update is produced by the MND Research Institute of Australia - the research arm of MND Australia. Read the latest MND research news.

What is a biomarker?

A biomarker, or biological marker, is a substance used as an indicator of a biological state. It is a characteristic that can be objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of specific processes.

MND research shorts

While most people use yeast to make bread or beer, researchers have been busy in Chicago, USA using yeast to fight MND. They have found that the MND gene FUS behaves similarly in yeast as it does in motor neurones. They propose that yeast may be a good model for studying MND.

MND biomarker search

It is becoming clear that a precise measure of MND disease progression is urgently required. Many research groups around the world have joined the search for the optimal biomarker.

What is a biomarker?

Despite the continuing and growing efforts of researchers around the world an effective treatment for motor neurone disease still eludes us. This problem is currently compounded by the lengthy diagnostic process associated with MND.