ALS-degeneration

The basic mechanism of neurodegeneration taking place in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is not yet understood, reflecting an unmet and urgent medical need. For some reason that we do not understand one of the early signs seen in ALS, is a disruption of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) – the place where the motor neurons meets the muscle. This disruption can possibly cause the nerve cells failing and the muscle atrophy, which occurs in the disease. The goal of this research is to elucidate key molecular mechanisms in ALS etiology by 1) specifically study how the motor protein dynein maintain the NMJ stable and keeps the neurons healthy. 2) Using large-scale screening methods we will look for novel factors from the neuron immediate environment that are required for maintaining vigorous nerve and muscle cells. Successful completion of this plan will open new avenues for future drug development and delivery strategies.