Grant: Project Grant

Genetic advances have sparked a revolution in understanding the causes of many human diseases, including late-onset neurological disorders. With the discovery of numerous new genes, there is an urgent need to develop experimental models for preclinical research. We have established the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans as part of a translational therapeutic discovery program for neurodegenerative diseases. Using C. elegans models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we aim to use our genetic approach to identify modifiers of lipid metabolism that influence age-related degeneration. Our work could lead to new therapies for diseases affecting the aging nervous system.