The ALS Association Sponsors C9orf72 Symposium at International Neuroscience Meeting

As part of the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience taking place this week and next in New Orleans, The ALS Association will be hosting a symposium titled “ALS, FTD and New Discoveries in C9orf72.” The symposium is co-sponsored with The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration and will highlight the landmark discovery of the C9orf72 gene, which is responsible for the majority of familial ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and a smaller proportion of sporadic cases.

The discovery of the gene, and the suggestion that it forms large RNA inclusions, has led to the question of whether this form of ALS might be similar to myotonic dystrophy, in which toxic RNA foci bind a transcription factor, leading to dysregulation in multiple cell types. Presentations will include an overview of the new genetic findings, progress in developing animal models and therapeutic approaches, as well as exploring the lessons learned from progress in understanding myotonic dystrophy.

The Society for Neuroscience meeting is the preeminent venue for new research in basic and translational neuroscience, drawing thousands of researchers from around the world. Neurodegenerative diseases in general, and ALS in particular, are an important focus at the meeting with posters, oral presentations and plenary lectures presenting the newest findings in ALS from dozens of research labs.

ALS-related sessions at the Society for Neuroscience meeting include the following: animal models, cell culture models including use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), ALS pathophysiology, therapy development targeting TDP-43, and updates on Neuralstem’s trials of spinal cord stem cell therapy plus other therapeutic approaches.