Grant: Operating Grant

The communication between nerve cells and muscles is impaired in ALS and the neuromuscular synapses, nerve contacts that control muscle activity, are destroyed. The destruction of the neuromuscular synapse causes the disconnection between the nervous system and the muscles, leading to paralysis. In addition to nerve cells, the other main cell type in the nervous system are glial cells. These cells are also affected in ALS. Our current work will examine the contribution of specialized glial cells at the neuromuscular synapse. They ensure the stability of the neuromuscular synapse and participate in its repair should injury arise. This proposed research aims at restoring the properties of these glial cells so as to restore their normal function. The approach aims at preventing the destruction of the neuromuscular synapse, thus maintaining a better control of muscles by the nervous system. This work would also unravel novel avenues to understand the causes of ALS and lead to possible clinical applications.