RESEARCH PROGRAM

ALSA Initiated Projects

ALSA-Initiated Scientific Research

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