Using mouse genetics, we have generated and characterized several animal and cellular models of ALS to explore molecular mechanisms of disease and to elucidate pathways of motor neuron degeneration that may be targets for drug discovery. ALS is genetically complex, and can be caused by mutations in a large and growing number of genes encoding proteins of diverse function. Models and Mechanisms of Motor Neuron Degeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral SclerosisĪmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the motor system that primarily involves spinal and bulbar motor neurons and their descending, corticospinal inputs.
