Auckland Brain Researcher Molly Swanson Leverages Son’s Rare Diagnosis to Fuel Motor Neurone Disease Breakthroughs

Brain scientist Dr. Molly Swanson uses $877k in funding to target toxic brain cells, fueled by her personal journey with her son’s rare genetic disorder.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 4:51 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Stuff

Personal Crisis Meets Professional Specialization

Dr. Molly Swanson’s perspective as a brain scientist shifted fundamentally when her son, James, was diagnosed with LCHADD—a rare genetic condition affecting only two people in New Zealand—less than a week after his birth. Now two years old, James lives a typical toddler’s life with the aid of medical specialists and a feeding tube. Swanson, who works at the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research, notes that being on the "other side" of a medical diagnosis has grounded her work and provided a profound personal understanding of the families she serves.

Targeting Toxic Microglia in the Brain

The focus of Swanson’s current research is motor neurone disease (MND), a condition for which New Zealand has one of the highest mortality rates globally. The disease causes the death of neurons responsible for movement, eventually stripping patients of the ability to move, breathe, and swallow. Swanson’s research identifies microglia—immune cells meant to heal the brain—as a primary area of concern. Her findings show that these cells can suddenly turn toxic, accelerating the destruction of motor neurons rather than protecting them.

Genetic Engineering and Real-Time Lab Observation

With $517,000 from the Auckland Medical Research Foundation and $360,000 from the Marsden Fund, Swanson is embarking on a research phase that will last into 2030. She plans to observe microglia changes in real time within a laboratory setting. By utilizing DNA "snipping" techniques, she intends to delete the specific genetic code that triggers the transition from helpful to harmful in these immune cells, effectively reversing their toxic state and restoring their original healing function.