Last month we hosted our annual event for early career researchers (ECRs) in the UK. MND EnCouRage UK is a two day event which aims to support ECRs to build skills and connections which will help them move forward in their careers and continue to work within MND research. One of these skills is communicating research to non-scientific audiences as it’s important that the ECRs can tell the MND community and the general public about the work they do.
RELATED TOPIC
Blog | Eleanor Green | July 2024
MND EnCouRage UK: Supporting the future leaders of MND research
We asked the ECRs to put their new skills to the test and explain their research to the MND community. This guest blog is from Eleni Christoforidou, one of the ECRs who came to the event this year.
Can you tell us how you got into MND research?
I am currently a Research Fellow at the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Sussex. My journey into MND research was driven by a profound fascination with the human nervous system and its intricate workings. This curiosity combined with a desire to contribute to medical science led me to pursue a career in neuroscience. My undergraduate studies deepened this intrigue, especially the study of neurodegenerative diseases, which affect millions of people worldwide. I was particularly drawn to MND due to its devastating impact and the urgent need for effective treatments. My dedication to understanding and combating MND during my PhD has driven my research endeavours ever since.
What does your research focus on?
My current research focuses on identifying biomarkers for the prognosis and progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a form of MND. Biomarkers are molecules in our body – like specific proteins, hormones, or genes – that we can measure to get clues about a person’s health. For example, high levels of sugar in the blood can be a biomarker for diabetes. The type of biomarkers I am interested in are called non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). These are small molecules arising from parts of a person’s DNA. There are thousands of different ncRNA molecules arising from human DNA, and the levels of some of these are known to be affected in MND. They are found both inside of our cells and in all biofluids, such as blood, saliva, urine, tears, and the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (known as the cerebrospinal fluid).
For my current research project, I am using blood samples from people living with MND, who participated in a clinical trial. These samples were collected at multiple time points from each person throughout the duration of the trial. From this blood, I extract all the ncRNAs, and use a technique called RNA sequencing to measure two things. Firstly, which of the thousands of ncRNA molecules are present in each sample, and secondly, how much of each of these molecules is present (the ‘expression level’).
By analysing these ncRNA levels using machine learning techniques (in other words, advanced mathematical algorithms), I can track changes over time. If we notice that specific ncRNAs increase or decrease consistently as the disease progresses, these changes can serve as markers for measuring how quickly the disease is advancing. This helps doctors monitor the progression of the disease in a person more accurately.
Furthermore, certain patterns of ncRNA levels might predict how severe the disease will become or how quickly it will progress in different individuals. This is known as disease prognosis. By identifying these patterns, we can potentially foresee the course of the disease earlier and more accurately, which is crucial for planning treatments and interventions.
How could your research help people with MND in the future?
My research on prognostic and progression biomarkers, together with the research of my colleagues on diagnostic biomarkers, has significant implications for people living with MND. Identifying reliable biomarkers can lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis, allowing for interventions that can improve the quality of life for those affected. Additionally, understanding the ncRNA pathways involved in ALS can pave the way for developing new treatments that specifically target these molecular pathways, offering hope for more effective therapies in the future.
In the long term, my research could lead to the development of diagnostic tools that enable clinicians to predict the progression of ALS, allowing for more personalised and effective treatment plans. This could significantly enhance the management of ALS, potentially slowing disease progression and improving outcomes for people living with MND. The goal is to transform our scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for those affected by ALS and their families.
Why did you want to attend MND EnCouRage?
Attending MND EnCouRage UK was a pivotal experience for me. The event provided a unique opportunity to present my research to both fellow scientists and those directly affected by MND. This interaction was invaluable as it offered diverse perspectives and feedback, enriching my understanding of the real-world impact of my work.
The event fostered a sense of community and collaboration, bringing together researchers, healthcare professionals, people living with MND, and their families. It was inspiring to see the collective effort and shared commitment to advancing MND research and finding a cure. Engaging with such a diverse audience highlighted the importance of effective communication and the need to make complex scientific concepts accessible to non-scientists.
What did you learn from the event and how will this help you in your career?
One of the key takeaways from MND EnCouRage UK was the importance of research that directly benefits those affected by MND. Engaging with people living with MND and their families highlighted the urgent need for translational research that can swiftly move from the lab to clinical practice. This experience has motivated me to ensure that my research remains aligned with the needs of those living with MND, ultimately aiming to translate scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for them.
The event also emphasised the value of collaboration. Connecting with other researchers and exchanging ideas has broadened my perspective and inspired new avenues for my research. This collaborative spirit is essential for tackling the complex challenges posed by MND and making meaningful progress in the field.
How did it feel to present your work to the MND community?
Presenting my work to people with and affected by MND was both humbling and inspiring. Their resilience and optimism in the face of such a challenging disease reinforced my commitment to this field. It was a reminder of the real lives behind the statistics and the importance of conducting research that can make a meaningful difference.
Sharing my research with a non-scientific audience required me to communicate complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner. This experience has enhanced my science communication skills and reinforced the importance of engaging with the wider community. The feedback and encouragement I received from those affected by MND were incredibly motivating and have strengthened my resolve to continue my research.
What was your highlight of the event?
The highlight of the event for me was the collaborative atmosphere and the sense of community. Meeting other researchers and exchanging ideas fostered a spirit of innovation and collective effort towards a common goal – finding a cure for MND. Additionally, hearing firsthand stories from those living with MND was deeply moving and underscored the significance of our work.
One particularly memorable moment was a panel discussion where researchers and people living with MND shared their views on clinical trial designs. This session provided a platform for open dialogue and mutual learning, emphasising the importance of involving people affected by MND in research.
In summary, attending MND EnCouRage UK was a transformative experience that has had a lasting impact on my research and career. It reinforced the importance of aligning research with the needs of those living with MND and emphasised the value of collaboration in the fight against this disease. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my research and am inspired to continue working towards breakthroughs that can improve the lives of those affected by MND.
We would like to thank Eleni for taking the time to write this guest blog about her work and also thank everyone involved in making MND EnCouRage UK 2024 such a success. Eleni’s post-doc project is funded by the MND Association. You can find out more about the project she works on our website.
