Understanding the impact of repeat physical traumas
Dr Caroline Staunton, Dr Carolyn Young and Professor Anne McArdle, The University of Liverpool and Pharmacology and Therapeutics/Walton Centre NHS Trust
Co-funded project
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March 2025 - March 2028
£22,967.50*
Summary
Motor neurons communicate with muscle tissue by releasing packets of chemical messengers, called extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs released by muscle cells are also proposed to be involved in protecting motor neurons. Dr Staunton and her team hypothesise that the chronic nature of injury experienced in rugby can lead to muscles no longer being able to release these protective EVs to motor neurons.
To investigate this, the team are initially using blood samples from professional and academy rugby players to investigate EV cross-talk between muscle and neurons, to identify whether they are different when compared with blood samples from non-contact athletes. This could lead to the identification of pathways that could disrupt EV composition and function, potentially contributing to the development of MND in the rugby player cohort.
Why this research is important
This project could identify potential mechanistic links between playing professional rugby and the development of MND. If this is the case, it would open the door to explore opportunities to prevent and/or treat MND in this population of people.
*This project is co-funded with MND Association and The University of Liverpool with a total value of £67,967.50
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