Disease Pathways

We will not cure ALS finally until we better understand why and how it happens.

Project A.L.S. has invested in the identification of disease pathways, uncovering important clues about the etiology of ALS.

Project A.L.S. collaborators are closing in on a partial explanation of the disease process. For example, it was thought that the death of motor neurons in ALS might be triggered by events occurring exclusively within the motor neuron. Now scientists are showing that the microenvironments surrounding the motor neuron might also contribute to the demise of the nerve cell.

Scientists Josh Sanes and Jeff Lichtman (Harvard College, formerly of Washington University) have gathered data suggesting a new composite sketch of cellular degeneration in ALS. Meanwhile, in a study commissioned by Project A.L.S., collaborators led by Jeremy Garson (University College, London) have found clues suggesting the possible role of endogenous or exogenous retrovirus in ALS.