The University of Queensland is joining the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS) by bathing the Forgan Smith Building in red for the Kiss Goodbye to MS campaign in May.
The middle section of the northern side of the building will be floodlit from 6pm to 11pm every night for the duration of MS Awareness Month, as part of the effort to raise awareness of the debilitating disease.
Multiple Sclerosis attacks the brain and spinal cord, causing irreparable damage.
It is the most common acquired chronic neurological condition among young Australian adults.
Researchers at the UQ Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), the School of Medicine, and the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) are working to find treatments to help the 23,000 Australians living with the disease.
UQ MS expert Dr Judith Greer said the UQCCR was working on five main MS projects.
“My current work focuses on the role of molecules called antibodies,” she said.
“There is a lot of suggestive evidence that these antibodies might cause a faster progression of disease in people with multiple sclerosis, but this remains to be proven.
“We’re investigating the mechanisms by which antibodies that target the most abundant protein in myelin (called proteolipid protein or PLP) could hasten MS disease progression,” Dr Greer said.
“MS Queensland is a great supporter of ours and sponsors many of our projects.”
Other areas under the microscope include the development of antigen-specific therapeutics agents for MS, the role of pregnancy in protecting against MS, the role of mutations in genes that control the pro-inflammatory NF-kB pathway for people with MS, and the role of Epstein Barr virus in MS.
Researchers hope the results of these studies will help improve treatment options for people with MS and allow better understanding of the basic pathogenic mechanisms that can cause MS.
UQ Property and Facilities Division Maintenance Manager Contracts Glenn Vickery said UQ participated in the annual event to raise awareness among staff, visitors and students.
“Other major sites joining us this year are Conrad Treasury Casino, Kurilpa Bridge, QPAC and the Queensland Museum,” he said.
MS Queensland urges the public to get involved with the Kiss Goodbye to MS campaign and support Australian research into treatment, prevention and ultimately finding a cure for MS.
Wear red lipstick, dare others to go red and share the message with a special Kiss Goodbye to MS event.
Media: UQ Corporate Relations Manager Carolyn Varley, 3365 1120, or 0413 601 248. MS Queensland Media and Communications Advisor Cassie Moore, 3840 0825 or cassie.moore@msqld.org.au.
