Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Publications

New gene mutations linked to ALS and nerve cell growth dysfunction
Researchers have linked newly discovered gene mutations to some cases of the progressive fatal neurological disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Shedding light on how ALS destroys the cells and leads to paralysis, the researchers found that mutations in this gene affect the structure and growth of nerve cells.

Genetic mutation linked to inherited forms of ALS, dementia
Scientists have identified the most common genetic cause known to date for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

New model of ALS is based on human cells from autopsied tissue
By isolating cells from patients' spinal tissue within a few days after death, researchers funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke have developed a new model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. They found that during the disease, cells called astrocytes become toxic to nerve cells – a result previously found in mouse models of familial ALS. The new study shows that astrocytes derived from people with sporadic ALS are also toxic to neurons.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Give Investigators a New Window into Neurological Disease
Update on the three consortia funded by NINDS through ARRA to develop iPS cell lines from individuals with Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease.

New Links Found between Familial and Sporadic ALS
In people with sporadic ALS, it is possible to detect SOD1 protein that is genetically normal but has properties similar to mutant SOD1 protein associated with about 20% of familial ALS cases.

Spinocerebellar Ataxia 2 Gene is a Risk Gene for ALS
Repeat expansions in the ataxin-2 gene are known to cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, but it turns out that smaller expansions in the gene increase the risk of ALS.

Advances in Disease Modeling for ALS and FTD Workshop: Executive Summary

MicroRNA Triggers Protective Response in Mice with ALS
New study shows that a molecule called microRNA-209 mounts a protective response to repair nerve-muscle connections in mice with ALS.

Therapy Investigated for ALS May Find New Role in Kennedy’s Disease
Mouse model of SBMA is rescued by transgenic mIGF-1.

Genetic Factor Extends Survival in People with ALS
In a genome-wide association study, researchers identified a genetic factor that extends the survival of people with ALS.

Support Cells Trigger Neuron Death in ALS
2007 news article on research showing that astrocytes with SOD1 mutations produce a toxin that kills motor neurons.

Large-Scale Gene Study Identifies Clues about Sporadic ALS
2007 news article about a whole-genome association study of sporadic ALS, from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Neurons Grown From Embryonic Stem Cells Restore Function In Paralyzed Rats
Press Release: Neurons Grown From Embryonic Stem Cells Restore Function In Paralyzed Rats

What's Old is New Again - Antibiotic Protects Nerves By Removing Excess Glutamate
February 2005 news article on research showing that the antibiotic ceftriaxone delays nerve damage in a mouse model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Senataxin Gene Linked to Juvenile-Onset ALS
June 2004 news summary on discovery of a gene for a rare, juvenile-onset form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Misbehaving Molecules: 3-Dimensional Pictures of ALS Mutant Proteins Support Two Major Theories About How the Disease is Caused
May 2003 press release on research showing how mutant proteins may lead to familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Fact Sheet

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) fact sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Doubling Up: Researchers Combine a Common Dietary Supplement with an Antibiotic to Treat Lou Gehrig's Disease
January 2003 news summary on a drug combination that slows the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in an animal model.

Minocycline Delays Onset and Slows Progression of ALS in Mice
May 2002 news summary on a possible new treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Testimony on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, May 2000
NINDS Director's testimony before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), May 18, 2000.