Ana Pena, PhD,  —

Ana is a molecular biologist with a passion for discovery and communication. As a science writer, she looks for connecting the public, in particular patients and healthcare providers, with clear and quality information about the latest medical advances. Ana holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Lisbon, Portugal, where she specialized in infectious diseases, epigenetics, and gene expression.

Articles by Ana Pena

‘Hero’ Proteins Protect Cells from Toxic Clumps Underlying ALS, Other Neurodegenerative Diseases

Human cells produce a type of proteins, termed “Heroes,” that protect against the formation of toxic protein aggregates involved in several neurological conditions, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and are extremely resistant to harsh conditions, early study results show. Organisms naturally use Hero proteins as molecular shields to stabilize…

Single Injection of RNA Therapy Blocks Degeneration, Prevents Disease Progression in Mice Models of Familial ALS

A single spinal injection of an investigational RNA therapy blocked motor neuron degeneration and saved motor function in animal models of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) linked to SOD1 mutations, a study  reports. Giving the treatment — a virus-delivered gene-silencer targeting the SOD1 gene —  before the onset of…