Research Center for ALS

The Research Center for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALSCenter) brings together the groups that are involved in ALS research at the Institute, from an epidemiological, preclinical and translational point of view. It also coordinates the regional population-based registry of ALS and carries out activities in support to clinical studies.
 
ALS is a severe neurodegenerative disease of adulthood that affects motor neurons, the cells responsible for muscle contraction, a condition that leads to paralysis and consequent atrophy of the voluntary muscles of the whole body, finally involving the respiratory muscles. A therapy for ALS to date has not yet been developed. Only in about 10% of patients the disease is due to genetic mutations, in most cases the cause is unknown. It is hypothesized that ALS is caused by a combination of factors: genetic predisposition, environmental factors and processes associated with aging. ALSCenter research aims to understand which of these elements are the most important to hit, how and when, in order to stop or slow down the disease. It also aims to identify biomarkers to support diagnosis and prognosis and useful for monitoring the progression of the disease and the efficacy of therapies.