The cause of MSA is still unknown. Professor Proukakis (UCL) will study tissue and fluid samples to investigate DNA changes that develop during life and may contribute to the disease. Focusing on genes linked to alpha-synuclein, immunity, and inflammation, the research could reveal causes of MSA and identify new treatment targets.
Results expected Sep-29MSA affects people differently, with varying symptoms, brain changes, and progression. Patrick Cullinane (UCL) will study donated brain tissue alongside patients’ experiences to investigate different forms of the alpha-synuclein protein. The research aims to explain disease variation, improve understanding of MSA, support better diagnosis, and inform more personalised treatments.
Results expected Jan-29MSA progresses rapidly in some people but more slowly in others. Dr Alegre-Abarrategui (Imperial College) will study donated brain tissue to understand how the harmful protein alpha-synuclein spreads through the brain. The research aims to map this process, identify factors influencing disease progression, and support earlier diagnosis, targeted treatments, and therapy evaluation.
Results expected Apr-28MSA destroys specific brain cells called oligodendrocytes, but we don't fully understand why. This research led by Dr Bettencourt (UCL) will investigate whether chemical "switches" on DNA, along with abnormalities in fats and iron in the brain, are driving this damage. It also aims to identify markers in blood and spinal fluid that could help diagnose MSA earlier.
Results expected 2027Multiple System Atrophy is poorly understood, difficult to diagnose early, and has no disease-modifying treatments. This research led by Dr Chelban (UCL) uses cutting-edge protein tests to detect MSA in body fluids earlier and more accurately, while simultaneously searching the DNA of over 1,000 patients to identify genes that influence survival — findings that could point the way to new therapies.
Results expected 2027Around a third of people diagnosed with Pure Autonomic Failure — a condition causing problems with blood pressure and bladder control — later develop MSA, usually around six years after diagnosis. Currently there are no reliable ways to predict who will make that transition. This study led by Dr Panicker (UCL) will use detailed MRI scans of the lower spine to look for early damage patterns that could identify those most at risk, enabling earlier intervention.
Results expected 2029Cells rely on a system called the autophagy-lysosome pathway (ALP) to clear out damaged proteins. In MSA, this system appears to break down, allowing toxic proteins to accumulate in brain cells. This study led by Dr Xilouri (Athens) will examine whether signs of that breakdown can be detected in patients' blood, and use lab-grown brain tissue to understand how ALP failure contributes to MSA developing and progressing.
Results expected 2027Clinical trials for MSA are slow because current measurements take months or years to show meaningful change. This study led by Prof Hoggard (Sheffield) will use a specialised MRI technique to measure energy levels in brain cells — essentially checking whether the cellular 'power supply' is failing in MSA patients. If detectable, these energy measurements could become rapid indicators of whether new treatments are working.
Results expected 2027People with MSA face many difficult healthcare decisions, but there are currently no resources to help them identify and communicate what matters most to them. This project led by Dr Haworth (University of Bristol) will create a practical guide — co-designed with patients, carers and clinicians — to help people with MSA clarify their personal goals, weigh up treatment options, and have more meaningful conversations with their healthcare team.
Results expected 2027MSA research has largely focused on white populations, leaving a significant gap in understanding how the disease affects people from other ethnic backgrounds. This study by Dr Scotton (University of Birmingham) will track MSA patients across the West Midlands — a region with substantial ethnic diversity — to examine whether ethnicity influences diagnosis routes, disease presentation and survival, while building a patient registry to support future clinical trials.
Results expected 2027MSA Trust funded research currently in progress...
MSA, Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia all involve toxic build-ups of the same protein — alpha-synuclein — yet they cause different symptoms and affect different brain cells. Prof Gentleman (Imperial College) will investigate whether the protein takes a distinctly different shape in MSA, and whether this unique "fingerprint" could be detected in spinal fluid to help diagnose MSA earlier.
Results expected Dec-26