CERA Deputy Director Professor Pete Williams has received more than $540,000 from Fight MND to investigate if a potential drug to protect the optic nerve can also keep motor neurons alive.
The new MND project builds on years of glaucoma research aimed at developing new drugs to increase the production of a naturally occurring molecule known as NAD, which helps nerve cells generate the energy they need to function and survive.
Previous studies have implicated a decrease in neurones’ ability to make and maintain sufficient levels of NAD in both glaucoma and motor neurone disease.
Professor Williams says the connection between glaucoma and MND emerged as researchers studying both diseases began discovering the same underlying process.
“At first we focused on understanding how retinal ganglion cell axons in the optic nerve degenerate in glaucoma, causing vision loss, and how we might prevent that,” he says
“The same pathways are at play in motor neurone disease and other common neurodegenerative diseases.”
Protecting energy supply
NAD is at the centre of Professor Williams’ research.
An enzyme known as NMNAT2 plays a critical role in maintaining NAD levels and keeping nerve cells healthy. Research suggests that when this protective system breaks down, nerve cells become more vulnerable to damage and death.
Professor Williams and his team have developed potential drugs to support NMNAT2 activity and help maintain healthy NAD levels.
The FightMND-funded project will now investigate if this approach can protect motor neurons, the nerve cells responsible for controlling movement, and if it could form the basis of a future treatment for MND.
“Our hope is to develop treatments that keep motor neurons healthy and connected for longer,” says Professor Williams.
“If we can better understand the mechanisms that cause neurons to become vulnerable, we have a greater chance of developing therapies that slow down the disease.”
Eye brain connection
Professor Williams says the project demonstrates the unique role of the eye as a window to the brain and central nervous system.
“Insights gained through vision research could eventually contribute to treatments for a range of neurodegenerative diseases.”
While significant work remains before potential treatments reach patients, the project will provide important evidence about whether a strategy first developed to prevent vision loss could also help tackle motor neurone disease.
“What began as a question about protecting sight may ultimately help us understand how to protect the nervous system more broadly.”
Fight MND All Star
With this latest grant success, Professor Williams now joins the ranks of the 2026 FightMND All Stars – a group of scientists working to find a cure for MND.
“I am honoured to be part of the Fight MND All Stars and for the critical funding provided to my research.
“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of people living with MND and their families.”
Discoveries emerging from research to prevent vision loss from glaucoma are now being applied to the fight against motor neurone disease.
Watch Professor Pete Williams present the 17th Gerard Crock Lecture: “From bench-to-bedside (and back again): Protecting and repairing the retina and optic nerve in glaucoma.”
