What is the current state of basic research on ALS?

Current basic research on ALS focuses on the question of whether pathological protein deposits (protein aggregates) in motor neurons are the cause of their degeneration or the result of a previously unknown damaging process. Clarifying this question is of crucial importance for determining the direction of future ALS therapies.

In cases where motor neurons are directly damaged by protein deposits, there is interest in developing drugs that can reduce protein aggregation or break down existing protein aggregates.

Numerous research groups in Germany, Europe, and other international laboratories are investigating the possible causes of protein deposits and their impact on essential processes in motor neurons. Experimental test systems are being used to determine which cellular components these protein aggregates interact with and how they may exert harmful effects on vital cellular processes. In addition, bioinformatics is being used to analyze whether, among several thousand molecules, individual substances are capable of preventing the formation of protein deposits or breaking them down.

Molecules with such properties are suitable candidates for future drug development.