2026
Blood cell mutations found throughout MSA brains
MSA's causes remain poorly understood, making new biological clues vital. Led by Prof. Proukakis (UCL), this research examined MSA brain tissue and found an excess of mutations normally associated with blood cell disorders — concentrated in the brain regions most affected by MSA. This suggests immune cells from the blood may infiltrate the brain and worsen disease, opening potential new treatment targets.
2025
Speech Therapy for MSA
Led by Prof. Lowit (University of Strathclyde), this study compared standard speech therapy with a new approach called ClearSpeechTogether — combining individual sessions with online peer-led group practice — in 24 people with MSA-C. Both approaches improved participants' communication confidence and ability to take part in conversation, even at more advanced stages of the condition.
2024
Understanding Brain Changes Across Similar Conditions
Led by Dr Bettencourt (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology), this study examined chemical changes in brain tissue from people with MSA, Parkinson's and PSP. It found that all three conditions share similar patterns of brain change, with MSA and Parkinson's showing the closest similarities — insights that could help improve diagnosis and understanding of these diseases.
2024
End of Life Care in MSA
Led by Prof Oliver (University of Kent), this study surveyed over 500 people with MSA, carers and bereaved carers about their experiences of end-of-life care. Only a minority had been referred to specialist palliative care, and for 37% of bereaved carers the death came as a surprise. Yet over 80% of those who had spoken with a healthcare professional found the conversation helpful — highlighting the need for earlier, more proactive end-of-life discussions for people with MSA.
2023
Cognitive Differences Between MSA and Parkinson's
Led by Dr Kobylecki (University of Manchester), this study used brain imaging to compare cognition in people with MSA and Parkinson's disease. People with MSA experienced greater difficulties with planning, attention and mental flexibility, and higher levels of anxiety and depression. Damage to connections between the front of the brain and deeper structures may be a key driver of these cognitive difficulties.
2023
Feeding Tubes in MSA
Led by Dr Kobylecki (University of Manchester), this study examined how often feeding tubes are used in people with MSA and similar conditions. Despite swallowing difficulties being common, tubes were used in only a small number of cases — but those who received one lived longer than previously reported, highlighting the need for clearer guidance for patients and clinicians.
2023
A Practical Guide to MSA
Led by Dr Goh (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology), this paper gives clinicians a comprehensive overview of MSA — from recognising it, to distinguishing it from similar conditions like Parkinson's disease. It covers key symptoms including movement difficulties, blood pressure problems and bladder issues, and provides guidance on managing these to improve care.
2022
A Blood Test to Track MSA Progression
Led by Dr Chelban (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology), this study looked at whether a protein in the blood called neurofilament light chain (NfL) could help predict how quickly MSA progresses. Analysing samples from people with MSA, researchers found that higher NfL levels were linked to faster decline and shorter survival. Using this simple blood marker in future clinical trials could make trials faster and more cost-effective.
2022
Using the Brain's Waste Disposal System to Clear MSA Proteins
Led by Dr Xilouri (Biomedical Research Foundation, Athens), this study investigated how the brain breaks down proteins found in the abnormal clumps that are a hallmark of MSA. It found that 'autophagy' (the brain's natural waste disposal system) is the main way these proteins are cleared. When autophagy was boosted using drug treatments, the protein clumps cleared more effectively, suggesting a potential approach to slow progression
2020
Gene 'switches' found altered in MSA brain tissue
In MSA, the brain is damaged by toxic protein build-ups in specific cells. Scientists don't fully understand why certain brain regions are more affected than others. This study, by Dr Bettencourt and colleagues (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London), examined chemical 'switches' that control gene activity across brain regions, finding significant changes at several genes including HIP1, LMAN2 and MOBP, pointing towards new targets for potential treatments.
2019
Mitochondrial energy failure identified in MSA brain tissue
Led by Dr Foti (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London), this study investigated whether the cellular 'power stations' (mitochondria) function abnormally in MSA brain tissue. It found significant disruption to the chain of chemical reactions that generates energy in brain cells, particularly in the cerebellum — the most severely affected region in MSA. Similar patterns were seen in Parkinson's disease, suggesting a shared disease mechanism across these related conditions.
2018
Protein-clearing enzymes
Led by Dr Kiely (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London), this study investigated whether faulty protein-clearing enzymes could explain the toxic build-up of α-synuclein in MSA. It found that three key enzymes were actually elevated rather than reduced in affected brain regions, suggesting the brain is attempting to compensate for the excess protein. The build-up therefore appears to have a different cause, pointing research in a new direction.
2018
Mapping the inflammatory response in MSA brain tissue
Led by Prof Holton and colleagues (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London), this study investigated how the immune system responds in MSA brains. It found subtle but significant changes in inflammation-related genes and proteins, including alterations in a key signalling pathway that normally keeps immune cells in check. These findings suggest that inflammatory mechanisms may represent a viable target for future MSA treatments.
2016
Low CoQ10 levels found in MSA brains
MSA is a fatal brain disease with no cure, and its causes are poorly understood. Researchers led by Prof Houlden (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) measured levels of a key cellular energy molecule — coenzyme Q10 — in brain tissue from MSA patients and compared these to healthy controls and other neurological conditions. CoQ10 was significantly lower in the cerebellum of MSA patients, suggesting a disruption in energy metabolism may play a role in the disease.
