Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Immune system cells known as regulatory T cells— T-regs for short — have been found to play a protective role in mice with a disorder that resembles human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). They don't prevent the disease in genetically susceptible mice, but they do appear to slow it down, probably by putting a brake on inflammation in the central nervous system.

Nerve cells called serotonergic neurons degenerate in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and may influence the ALS disease process, an international research team has reported. In particular, the loss of these specialized cells appears to be linked to increased muscle tone or tightness (spasticity).

A webinar (Web-based seminar) about neurodegenerative causes of death, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in retired National Football League (NFL) football players is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST, Nov. 15, 2012.

Results from a completed phase 2 trial of the experimental therapy NP001 in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) show that in some trial participants, the drug appeared to be effective at slowing or stopping progression of the disease.

It's been known since the early 1990s that mutations in the superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) gene can result in the production of any number of varieties of improperly folded (misfolded) SOD1 protein, and that these misfolded proteins can cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Don Cleveland, a longtime MDA research grantee studying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has been elected to the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Election to the IOM is one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine, and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to science.

Results from a completed phase 1 trial of neural stem cells in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) show that the stem cells and the surgical method used to transplant them were safe and well-tolerated. In addition, the experimental therapy appears to have "interrupted the progression of the disease" in some trial participants.

New evidence links the motor neuron diseases ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), an international team of scientists has reported. The researchers say the findings could lead to the identification of therapeutic targets common to both disorders.