The in vitro and in vivo model systems developed at the Center are used collaboratively by the clinical and basic faculty to design and test novel therapies for ultimate use in clinical trials at Johns Hopkins and elsewhere. The clinical faculty is in the forefront of the effort to apply these therapies to slow, halt and possible cure this devastating disease. To help maintain its focus and critique its progress, the Center will seek review of its work from its panel of Scientific Advisors internationally recognized experts in motor neuron disease and neurodegeneration. On a rotating basis, selected experts attend the Center monthly meetings to participate in the scientific discourse. The Center for ALS Research comprises five collaborative groups.
Investigators often participate in the efforts of more than one scientific team.
In addition to the opportunity to explore research ideas with other exceptional scientists, the Center provides core services to aid in scientific research. In this group, scientists study the molecular and cellular processes causing ALS and related motor neuron diseases. Their work, originating in basic science investigations of molecules and cells relevant to neurodegenerative disorders, has had major influence on current thinking about the pathogeneses of motor neuron disease. Models replicating these properties are not only of great value for investigations of disease mechanisms, but are critical for testing novel therapies which, if efficacious in model systems, can be rapidly introduced into clinical trials. In addition, these investigators have been leaders in the development of animal models of the disease.