Is ALS genetic?

Marisa Wexler, MS avatar

by Marisa Wexler, MS |

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Is ALS genetic?

Category: ALS Causes

A person’s genetics can influence the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and mutations in more than 30 genes have been linked with ALS. However, genetics alone are not usually enough to cause ALS — just because someone has a disease-associated mutation does not guarantee that the individual will develop ALS. An interaction between mutations and factors like lifestyle habits and environmental exposures are thought to influence the risk of ALS.

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About the Author

Marisa Wexler, MS avatar
Marisa Wexler, MS Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

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