This aggressive, ALS cure-directed research effort, launched in May 2000 by The ALS Association, seeks answers to key questions that must be addressed in order for better treatments and ultimately a cure for ALS to be found. This research effort complements and works in tandem with The ALS Association's Investigator-Initiated research program.
Focus of these projects includes, but is not limited to the following areas of promise:
Human genetics - Identifying new genes involved in familial ALS
Genomics - Using information from the DNA sequence of the human genome to aid in genetic studies, and to search for the expression of genes associated with the disease
Animal Models: Transgenic mice, transgenic rats and Drosophila (fruit flies)
Assay development and high throughput drug screening
Stem cell research as potential for replacing dying neurons
Providing important trophic factors to dying cells and Gene Therapy and Diagnostic Biomarkers
