UCLA researchers have identified the regulatory network that controls the transformation of neuronal progenitor cells into movement nerve cells in chicken and mouse embryos. The study adds insight into the development and functioning of spinal movement nerve cells. It also may contribute to the production of stem cell-derived movement nerve…

Neuraltus Pharmaceuticals signaled that it was moving toward the analysis stage of a Phase 2 clinical trial of its ALS therapy NP001. The signal was its announcement that it had completed the last patient visit in the study. Neuraltus conducted the trial (NCT02794857) to confirm the results of a…

Neurodegeneration in a subset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients is a consequence of abnormal DNA damage responses, a finding that provides new possibilities for therapeutic interventions. About 5 percent of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS), and up to 1 percent of sporadic ALS (sALS), have been linked to mutations in…

The higher the levels of uric acid in the blood of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, the lower the risk of death from all causes, a study found. The body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are substances both normally produced and found in certain…

This emotional video from Marissa Coriell is an incredibly moving tribute to her husband, Alexander. Alexander was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in January 2013. The video shows how quickly his condition progressed. By September 2013, Alex was unable to swallow food and needed a feeding tube.

https://vimeo.com/124556645 This video from the ALS Association Texas chapter is all about Steve. A recently retired chaplain for the federal prison system from Fort Worth, Texas, Steve is about to get married to his longtime sweetheart, Anna. MORE: Pastor Kevin Kinchen hasn’t let his ALS diagnosis get in the…

Biogen is acquiring Karyopharm Therapeutics’ KPT-350 and other potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS. “As a global innovative leader in neuroscience that brings world-class capabilities in developing and commercializing products targeting a broad range of neurological conditions, Biogen is well suited to further advance the development of KPT-350,” Michael…

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh discovered that the human neuromuscular junction (NMJ) — a cell connection between neurons and muscle that enables motion — is different in size and structure than other mammals, including mice, which are routinely used in research. “Our findings provide unique insights into the…

ALS can be a difficult disease to diagnose as many of the early signs and symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. This video shared by Mike Brez is all about Clara. Clara was recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) after being misdiagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. MORE:…

A defense mechanism that uses a protein linked to ALS could be part of the reason why humans live longer than other animals, a study suggests. The research, “Oxidation of SQSTM1/p62 mediates the link between redox state and protein homeostasis,” appeared in Nature Communications. Autophagy is…