ALS: Lou Gehrig’s Disease by Gordon Shepherd

2011
Gordon Shepherd, M.D., Ph.D.

Cortical mechanisms in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
2011 Seed Grant
Gordon Shepherd, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Physiology
Northwestern University

The neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a fatal paralytic disorder characterized by cell death of corticospinal neurons. Early in the disease process cortical circuits are hyperexcitable, but specific mechanisms have not been identified. High-resolution imaging and electrophysiological analysis of specific microcircuits of corticospinal neurons will reveal, for the first time, how these neurons are ‘mis-wired’ in ALS, with high potential for identifying new cellular/molecular targets for therapeutic interventions.

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Other Grants

Brain Research Foundation
Aaron T. Kuan, Ph.D., Yale School of Medicine
Molecular Connectomics Using Pan-Staining Expansion Microscopy
The connectivity between neurons is a “wiring diagram” of the brain. Obtaining such a wiring diagram would help understand how the brain works, as well as what can go wrong…
Brain Research Foundation
Heidi C. Meyer, Ph.D., Boston University
Capturing and Constraining Neuronal Ensembles of Fear Memories to Curb Anxiety
Our proposal is motivated by an urgent need to understand aspects of brain development that determine whether an individual will be susceptible to developing a psychiatric disease such as anxiety.…
Brain Research Foundation
Robert R. Parrish, Ph.D., Brigham Young University
The Role of Chloride Loading in Seizure Termination
Seizures can significantly impact the lives of those who suffer from them, causing considerable stress, feelings of hopelessness, and depression in patients. Even in their mildest form, seizures can alter…
Brain Research Foundation
Yi-Rong Peng, Ph.D., University of California, Los Angelestown University
Decoding the Formation and Degeneration of Neural Circuits via Cell-Type-Specific Surface Proteomics
The nervous system’s complex structure is created by precise connections among many types of cells. Neurodegenerative diseases disrupt these connections, leading to permanent neuron loss and the formation of abnormal…