Skip secondary menu
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Press Releases
Wednesday, Apr 10, 2013
Cowboys use lassos to catch runaway horses and cattle. Recently, NINDS-funded researchers showed that genetic lassos may
also be used to “round-up” toxic runaway molecules in neurons. Their results suggest that molecules, called RNA lariats,
may effectively prevent nerve degeneration during amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Wednesday, Jul 4, 2012
Researchers have taken a step toward better drug therapies for Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease by investigating
signs of distress and vulnerability in patient-derived cells. Cells derived from patients with Parkinson's had different
responses to drug treatments depending on the type of Parkinson's each patient had. These are the latest advances from the
NINDS iPS cell consortia.
Wednesday, Sep 28, 2011
Researchers have identified the most common genetic cause known to date for two neurological diseases, amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). A mutation in a single gene on chromosome 9 accounts for nearly 50 percent
of familial ALS and FTD in Finland, and more than a third of familial ALS in other groups of European ancestry.
Thursday, Aug 18, 2011
The NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research has made awards to investigators across the United States for an ambitious set
of projects seeking to develop new drugs for disorders of the nervous system. The projects are part of the NIH Blueprint
Neurotherapeutics Network, which will be funded at up to $50 million over the next five years.
Thursday, Aug 11, 2011
By isolating cells from patients' spinal tissue within a few days after death, researchers funded by the National Institutes
of Health have developed a new model of the paralyzing disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). They found that during
the disease, cells called astrocytes become toxic to nerve cells – a result previously found in animal models but not in humans.
Friday, Jun 24, 2011
It is possible to take a sample of skin cells and induce them to behave like embryonic stem cells. Scientists are using these
so-called induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to study disease mechanisms and test potential therapeutic drugs. In 2009,
NINDS funded three consortia to develop iPS cell lines from individuals with Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(ALS), and Huntington’s disease.
Friday, Dec 17, 2010
After 1993, when mutations in the SOD1 protein were first connected to familial ALS, SOD1 became the most studied protein
in ALS research. However, there have been doubts about SOD1's relevance to sporadic ALS (sALS). A new study in Nature Neuroscience
shows that in people with sALS, it is possible to detect SOD1 protein that is genetically normal but has properties similar
to mutant SOD1.
Tuesday, Mar 2, 2010
In a recent study, investigators found that mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mount a protective, though ultimately
unsuccessful, response against the disease. Central to this response is a small molecule called microRNA-206. Identifying
ways to stimulate the molecule or its effects may lead to new treatments for ALS.
Four New Members Appointed to National Neurological Disorders and Stroke Advisory Council Thursday, Feb 4, 2010
Four New Members Appointed to National Neurological Disorders and Stroke Advisory Council
Therapy Investigated for ALS May Find New Role in Kennedy’s DiseaseMonday, Oct 26, 2009
A growth factor that has generated tides of hope and disappointment for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may turn
out to be an effective therapy for a less common disease, Kennedy’s disease.
NINDS Names Dr. Petra Kaufmann Director of the Office of Clinical ResearchWednesday, Sep 9, 2009
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institutes of Health, has named
Petra Kaufmann, M.D., M.Sc., as director of its Office of Clinical Research.
Tuesday, Jun 16, 2009
Researchers funded in part by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) have identified a gene that
affects how long people survive with the fatal neurological disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The finding could
lead to much needed drugs to slow the course of the disease.
Support Cells Trigger Neuron Death in ALSThursday, Aug 2, 2007
Star-shaped support cells in the brain secrete a toxin that kills motor neurons in a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(ALS), two new studies show. The studies may lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating the disorder.
Large-Scale Gene Study Identifies Clues about Sporadic ALSTuesday, Apr 3, 2007
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have completed the first large-scale study of the role of common genetic
variation in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which occurs in people without any family history of the disease.
The results provide interesting hints about the causes of the disorder and can serve as a starting point for future studies.
Six New Members Named to National Neurology Advisory CouncilThursday, Oct 5, 2006
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has appointed six new members to its major advisory panel,
the National Advisory Neurological Disorders and Stroke Council. The NINDS, a component of the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), is the nation’s primary supporter of basic, translational, and clinical research on the brain and nervous system.
NINDS Director Story Landis, Ph.D., formally introduced the new members, who will serve through July 2010, at the Council’s
September 14, 2006 meeting.
Javits Neuroscience Award Presented to Six Leading ScientistsWednesday, Jul 12, 2006
Six outstanding scientists who target neurological disorders at the cellular and molecular level were recently awarded the
prestigious Senator Jacob Javits Award in the Neurosciences. The award provides for up to seven years of research funding
from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the nation’s leading agency for research on the
brain and nervous system and a component of the National Institutes of Health.
Neurons Grown From Embryonic Stem Cells Restore Function In Paralyzed RatsTuesday, Jun 20, 2006
For the first time, researchers have enticed transplants of embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons in the spinal cord to
connect with muscles and partially restore function in paralyzed animals. The study suggests that similar techniques may
be useful for treating such disorders as spinal cord injury, transverse myelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and
spinal muscular atrophy. The study was funded in part by the NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
(NINDS).
NINDS Announces New Javits Neuroscience Investigator AwardeesWednesday, May 4, 2005
Four prominent investigators were recently awarded the prestigious Senator Jacob Javits Award in the Neurosciences, which
provides for up to seven years of research funding from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
What's Old is New Again - Antibiotic Protects Nerves By Removing Excess GlutamateMonday, Feb 7, 2005
A new study shows that a common antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections increases survival rates and delays nerve damage
in a mouse model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The antibiotic works by activating or "turning on" the gene encoding
the glutamate transporter in neurons. This finding may lead to new drug treatments for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Study Using Robotic Microscope Shows How Mutant Huntington's Disease Protein Affects NeuronsWednesday, Oct 13, 2004
Using a specially designed robotic microscope to study cultured cells, researchers have found evidence that abnormal protein
clumps called inclusion bodies in neurons from people with Huntington's disease (HD) prevent cell death. The finding helps
to resolve a longstanding debate about the role of these inclusion bodies in HD and other disorders and may help investigators
find effective treatments for these diseases.
Fact Sheet
Study in Mice Links Growth Factor to Hereditary Motor Neuron DiseaseFact Sheet
Wednesday, Jul 7, 2004
Production of a growth factor in the spinal cord drops just before the onset of symptoms in an animal model of a rare, hereditary
motor neuron disease, scientists have found. The findings point to a potential new way of treating this disease, and possibly
other neurodegenerative disorders as well.
Fact Sheet
Senataxin Gene Linked to Juvenile-Onset ALSFact Sheet
Wednesday, Jun 23, 2004
Researchers funded in part by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) have identified the gene
that causes a rare juvenile-onset form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The discovery of the Senataxin gene, on chromosome
9q34, may provide clues to the mechanisms of related brain disorders.
Fact Sheet
Misbehaving Molecules: 3-Dimensional Pictures of ALS Mutant Proteins Support Two Major Theories About How the Disease is
CausedFact Sheet
Sunday, May 18, 2003
A new study reveals for the first time how gene mutations lead to the inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),
or Lou Gehrig's disease. The study suggests that the two most prominent theories of how familial ALS (FALS) and other related
diseases develop are both right in part.
Fact Sheet
Transport Problems Cause Motor Neuron DegenerationFact Sheet
Thursday, May 1, 2003
A new study shows for the first time in humans that nerve cell transport problems could play a key role in the degeneration
of motor neurons, the nerve cells that control movement. The finding is an important step toward understanding the biology
of motor neuron diseases and could lead to the development of effective treatments.
Fact Sheet
Doubling Up: Researchers Combine a Common Dietary Supplement with an Antibiotic to Treat Lou Gehrig's DiseaseFact Sheet
Friday, Jan 31, 2003
A new study shows that combining the supplement creatine and the antibiotic minocycline significantly slows disease progression
and prolongs survival in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease.
Fact Sheet
Study Identifies Gene That Prevents Nerve Cell DeathFact Sheet
Friday, Oct 25, 2002
Many neurological diseases occur when specific groups of neurons die because of nerve damage, toxins, inflammation, or other
factors. A new study suggests that activity of a single gene can stop neurons from dying regardless of what triggers this
process. The findings could lead to new ways of treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Fact Sheet
Minocycline Delays Onset and Slows Progression of ALS in MiceFact Sheet
Thursday, May 2, 2002
The antibiotic minocycline delays onset and slows progression of symptoms in a mouse model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(ALS), a new study shows. The study also revealed that the drug may work by blocking release of a molecule that triggers
cell death. The findings may lead to new ways of treating ALS or other neurodegenerative disorders.
Fact Sheet
NINDS Hails Advance in ALS ResearchFact Sheet
Wednesday, May 15, 1991
Officials at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) hailed as a major research advance the mapping
of a gene that causes familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to chromosome 21. "This is an important first step in our
attempt to better understand the basic, molecular mechanisms of this widely studied but poorly understood neurological disorder,"
said Dr. Roger J. Porter, deputy director of the NINDS.
Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Home | About NINDS | Disorders A - Z | Research Funding | News From NINDS | Find People | Training | Research | American Recovery and Reinvestment Act | Enhancing Diversity
Careers@NINDS | FOIA | Accessibility Policy | Contact Us | Privacy Statement
NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health®