Researchers based at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin have provided new insights into the causes of motor neuron disease by describing a series of genes that may increase the risk for MND.

About 10% of MND is inherited. However, genetic factors are likely to be important even in the sporadic form MND. The Irish population is ideally suited for gene-finding projects because the genetics of the Irish have been studied in detail. There are two main genetic ancestries, which broadly reflect our “Celtic” and “Anglo-Saxon” origins. The very old Celtic gene profile increases in frequency as one moves westward across the island reaching a peak along the west coast of Ireland.

We have already shown that there is also an east to west gradient in the incidence of MND in Ireland that may reflect the distribution of ancestral genes in the Irish population. We have recently shown that MND patients from Celtic countries are more likely to harbour certain disease-associated mutations than are other more mixed
populations. Our work suggest that Celtic populations may have some unique “at risk” genes that might help in the search for new causes and treatments.

We are searching causative genes in the Irish MND population using a new powerful genetic method called Illumina SNP chips that allows the human genome to be examined in unprecedented detail.

By comparing the genetic profiles from a subset of the Irish MND population that is genetically characterized as “Celtic” with genetically matched normal controls, we hope to identify new genes that cause MND.