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Multiple sclerosis challenge

An ambitious collaboration between bioscientists at the University of Kent and sixth-form pupils from Simon Langton School for Boys, Canterbury, aims to provide an introduction to front line medical research while taking on one of the great research challenges in multiple sclerosis (MS).

The collaboration will be launched on 3 December when a team of ten research scientists and postgraduate students from the University's Department of Biosciences will spend a day with 50 Year 12 and Year 13 pupils at the school's laboratories. The aim of this laboratory day is to teach some of the basic skills required to carry out major research into diseases such as MS. These include the use of recombinant (synthetic) DNA and protein technologies.

The collaboration also aims to help bridge the knowledge gap on the molecular events that lead to MS by studying a protein called MBP (myelin basic protein), changes in which lead to damage to the nervous system, which in turn leads to the symptoms of the disease. Work on this will involve producing forms of the human protein in baker's yeast using genetic engineering techniques. These proteins will then be examined for any changes that may occur that can be linked to the disease.

The collaboration, titled The MBP² Project, has been made possible by a £30k grant from The Wellcome Trust, Britain's leading biomedical charity, under its People Award Scheme. Professors Martin Warren and Mick Tuite from the Department of Biosciences supported the bid for the grant, which was made by Dr Dave Colthurst from Simon Langton School for Boys.

Professor Tuite, a specialist in molecular biology and Director of Research in the Department of Biosciences, is excited by the project. He said: 'This represents a unique practical opportunity for our researchers to pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm to the next generation of young scientists.'

Professor Tuite also explained how the Simon Langton pupils, with the help of the University team, will in turn pass their newly acquired skills onto other schools in the area through a series of 'master classes'.

Contact: mediaoffice@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 12:00pm 3 December 2008