NIH Symposium Explores Promise of Stem Cell TherapiesMonday, Jul 14, 2008
Stem cells have been hailed as a toolkit to treat a host of diseases, but at an NIH symposium on May 6, researchers said they
are still deciphering the toolkit’s instruction manual.
Support Cells Trigger Neuron Death in ALSThursday, Aug 2, 2007
Star-shaped support cells in the brain secrete a toxin that kills motor neurons in a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(ALS), two new studies show. The studies may lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating the disorder.
Support Cells Trigger Neuron Death in ALSThursday, Aug 2, 2007
Star-shaped support cells in the brain secrete a toxin that kills motor neurons in a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(ALS), two new studies show. The studies may lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating the disorder.
Large-Scale Gene Study Identifies Clues about Sporadic ALSTuesday, Apr 3, 2007
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have completed the first large-scale study of the role of common genetic
variation in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which occurs in people without any family history of the disease.
The results provide interesting hints about the causes of the disorder and can serve as a starting point for future studies.
In Brain, One Gene is Worth a Thousand WordsTuesday, Feb 20, 2007
Using microarray technology, researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have shown that people with
one variant of a gene that’s active in the brain have better episodic memory – the ability to remember events and facts –
than do people without that variant. The researchers are using the same technology to identify genetic risk factors associated
with neurological diseases.
Enzyme Reverses Memory Loss in Alzheimer’s Mouse ModelMonday, Nov 6, 2006
Increasing the amount of a specific enzyme in the brain partially restores memory in a mouse model for Alzheimer’s disease
(AD), researchers say. The results could eventually lead to new treatments for AD or other neurodegenerative disorders.
Six New Members Named to National Neurology Advisory CouncilThursday, Oct 5, 2006
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has appointed six new members to its major advisory panel,
the National Advisory Neurological Disorders and Stroke Council. The NINDS, a component of the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), is the nation’s primary supporter of basic, translational, and clinical research on the brain and nervous system.
NINDS Director Story Landis, Ph.D., formally introduced the new members, who will serve through July 2010, at the Council’s
September 14, 2006 meeting.
Javits Neuroscience Award Presented to Six Leading ScientistsWednesday, Jul 12, 2006
Six outstanding scientists who target neurological disorders at the cellular and molecular level were recently awarded the
prestigious Senator Jacob Javits Award in the Neurosciences. The award provides for up to seven years of research funding
from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the nation’s leading agency for research on the
brain and nervous system and a component of the National Institutes of Health.
Neurons Grown From Embryonic Stem Cells Restore Function In Paralyzed RatsTuesday, Jun 20, 2006
For the first time, researchers have enticed transplants of embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons in the spinal cord to
connect with muscles and partially restore function in paralyzed animals. The study suggests that similar techniques may
be useful for treating such disorders as spinal cord injury, transverse myelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and
spinal muscular atrophy. The study was funded in part by the NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
(NINDS).
Neurons Grown From Embryonic Stem Cells Restore Function In Paralyzed RatsTuesday, Jun 20, 2006
For the first time, researchers have enticed transplants of embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons in the spinal cord to
connect with muscles and partially restore function in paralyzed animals. The study suggests that similar techniques may
be useful for treating such disorders as spinal cord injury, transverse myelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and
spinal muscular atrophy. The study was funded in part by the NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
(NINDS).
Study Links Alzheimer's Disease to Abnormal Cell DivisionTuesday, Jan 17, 2006
A new study in mice suggests that Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be triggered when adult neurons try to divide. The finding
helps researchers understand what goes wrong in the disease and may lead to new ways of treating it.
Study Links Progressive Aphasia Syndrome to Prion GeneMonday, Nov 28, 2005
Most people with a rare type of dementia called primary progressive aphasia (PPA) have a specific combination of prion gene
variants, a new study shows. The study is the first to link the prion protein gene to this disorder. The researchers also
looked at the prion protein gene in people with Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's
disease) and did not find any association with specific gene variants in those disorders.
Drug Screening Study Suggests New Treatments for Alzheimer'sMonday, Sep 26, 2005
While several treatments are currently available for Alzheimer's disease (AD), none of them can slow or halt the course of
this devastating disorder. In a new study, researchers have now identified three compounds that inhibit an enzyme believed
to be involved in the process that leads to AD. This discovery may lead to new treatments that can stop the disease process
in its tracks.
NINDS Javits Award Goes to Six Inventive NeuroscientistsWednesday, Sep 7, 2005
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a part of the National Institutes of Health, has named
six scientists to receive its prestigious Senator Jacob Javits Award in the Neurosciences. The award is given to individual
investigators who have demonstrated exceptional scientific excellence and productivity in research supported by the NINDS
and who are expected to conduct innovative research over the next 7 years.
NINDS Announces New Javits Neuroscience Investigator AwardeesWednesday, May 4, 2005
Four prominent investigators were recently awarded the prestigious Senator Jacob Javits Award in the Neurosciences, which
provides for up to seven years of research funding from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Pain Reliever May Provide Clues for Treating Spinal Muscular AtrophyThursday, Mar 3, 2005
New research suggests that an off-the-market pain reliever called indoprofen may be a starting point for finding a new drug
to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a devastating childhood neurological disorder.
What's Old is New Again - Antibiotic Protects Nerves By Removing Excess GlutamateMonday, Feb 7, 2005
A new study shows that a common antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections increases survival rates and delays nerve damage
in a mouse model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The antibiotic works by activating or "turning on" the gene encoding
the glutamate transporter in neurons. This finding may lead to new drug treatments for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
What's Old is New Again - Antibiotic Protects Nerves By Removing Excess GlutamateMonday, Feb 7, 2005
A new study shows that a common antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections increases survival rates and delays nerve damage
in a mouse model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The antibiotic works by activating or "turning on" the gene encoding
the glutamate transporter in neurons. This finding may lead to new drug treatments for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award Recognizes Eight Exemplary ScientistsWednesday, Nov 10, 2004
Eight noted investigators have been awarded the prestigious Senator Jacob Javits Award in the Neurosciences, which provides
for up to seven years of research funding from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The award,
which honors the late U.S. Senator Jacob Javits, is presented to investigators who have demonstrated exceptional scientific
excellence and productivity in research areas supported by the NINDS and who are expected to conduct cutting-edge research
over the next seven years.
Study Using Robotic Microscope Shows How Mutant Huntington's Disease Protein Affects NeuronsWednesday, Oct 13, 2004
Using a specially designed robotic microscope to study cultured cells, researchers have found evidence that abnormal protein
clumps called inclusion bodies in neurons from people with Huntington's disease (HD) prevent cell death. The finding helps
to resolve a longstanding debate about the role of these inclusion bodies in HD and other disorders and may help investigators
find effective treatments for these diseases.
Fact Sheet Study Identifies Gene That Prevents Nerve Cell DeathFriday, Oct 25, 2002
Many neurological diseases occur when specific groups of neurons die because of nerve damage, toxins, inflammation, or other
factors. A new study suggests that activity of a single gene can stop neurons from dying regardless of what triggers this
process. The findings could lead to new ways of treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Fact Sheet Study in Mice Links Growth Factor to Hereditary Motor Neuron DiseaseWednesday, Jul 7, 2004
Production of a growth factor in the spinal cord drops just before the onset of symptoms in an animal model of a rare, hereditary
motor neuron disease, scientists have found. The findings point to a potential new way of treating this disease, and possibly
other neurodegenerative disorders as well.
Fact Sheet Minocycline Delays Onset and Slows Progression of ALS in MiceThursday, May 2, 2002
The antibiotic minocycline delays onset and slows progression of symptoms in a mouse model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(ALS), a new study shows. The study also revealed that the drug may work by blocking release of a molecule that triggers
cell death. The findings may lead to new ways of treating ALS or other neurodegenerative disorders.
Fact Sheet Doubling Up: Researchers Combine a Common Dietary Supplement with an Antibiotic to Treat Lou Gehrig's DiseaseFriday, Jan 31, 2003
A new study shows that combining the supplement creatine and the antibiotic minocycline significantly slows disease progression
and prolongs survival in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease.
Fact Sheet Senataxin Gene Linked to Juvenile-Onset ALSWednesday, Jun 23, 2004
Researchers funded in part by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) have identified the gene
that causes a rare juvenile-onset form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The discovery of the Senataxin gene, on chromosome
9q34, may provide clues to the mechanisms of related brain disorders.
Fact Sheet NINDS Hails Discovery of Gene for Familial ALSWednesday, Mar 3, 1993
Officials at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) hailed the identification of a gene associated
with the familial form of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). "This discovery is extremely important because it marks the first identification
of a specific gene for a neurodegenerative disease of adult life," said Carl M. Leventhal, M.D., director of the NINDS
program that contributed to support for the research reported in the March 3 issue of Nature*. "It also suggests a likely
mechanism for the damage to nerve cells in familial ALS and, possibly, other brain disorders."
Misbehaving Molecules: 3-Dimensional Pictures of ALS Mutant Proteins Support Two Major Theories About How the Disease is
CausedSunday, May 18, 2003
A new study reveals for the first time how gene mutations lead to the inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),
or Lou Gehrig's disease. The study suggests that the two most prominent theories of how familial ALS (FALS) and other related
diseases develop are both right in part.
Fact Sheet NINDS Hails Advance in ALS ResearchWednesday, May 15, 1991
Officials at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) hailed as a major research advance the mapping
of a gene that causes familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to chromosome 21. "This is an important first step in our
attempt to better understand the basic, molecular mechanisms of this widely studied but poorly understood neurological disorder,"
said Dr. Roger J. Porter, deputy director of the NINDS.
Fact Sheet Vaccine Reduces Parkinson's Disease Neurodegeneration in MiceWednesday, Jul 28, 2004
For the first time, researchers have shown that an experimental vaccine can reduce the amount of neurodegeneration in a mouse
model for Parkinson's disease. The finding suggests that a similar therapy might eventually be able to slow the devastating
course of Parkinson's disease in humans.
Fact Sheet Study in Mice Links Growth Factor to Hereditary Motor Neuron DiseaseWednesday, Jul 7, 2004
Production of a growth factor in the spinal cord drops just before the onset of symptoms in an animal model of a rare, hereditary
motor neuron disease, scientists have found. The findings point to a potential new way of treating this disease, and possibly
other neurodegenerative disorders as well.
Fact Sheet Senataxin Gene Linked to Juvenile-Onset ALSWednesday, Jun 23, 2004
Researchers funded in part by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) have identified the gene
that causes a rare juvenile-onset form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The discovery of the Senataxin gene, on chromosome
9q34, may provide clues to the mechanisms of related brain disorders.
Fact Sheet Misbehaving Molecules: 3-Dimensional Pictures of ALS Mutant Proteins Support Two Major Theories About How the Disease is
CausedSunday, May 18, 2003
A new study reveals for the first time how gene mutations lead to the inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),
or Lou Gehrig's disease. The study suggests that the two most prominent theories of how familial ALS (FALS) and other related
diseases develop are both right in part.
Fact Sheet Transport Problems Cause Motor Neuron DegenerationThursday, May 1, 2003
A new study shows for the first time in humans that nerve cell transport problems could play a key role in the degeneration
of motor neurons, the nerve cells that control movement. The finding is an important step toward understanding the biology
of motor neuron diseases and could lead to the development of effective treatments.
Fact Sheet Doubling Up: Researchers Combine a Common Dietary Supplement with an Antibiotic to Treat Lou Gehrig's DiseaseFriday, Jan 31, 2003
A new study shows that combining the supplement creatine and the antibiotic minocycline significantly slows disease progression
and prolongs survival in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease.
Fact Sheet Study Identifies Gene That Prevents Nerve Cell DeathFriday, Oct 25, 2002
Many neurological diseases occur when specific groups of neurons die because of nerve damage, toxins, inflammation, or other
factors. A new study suggests that activity of a single gene can stop neurons from dying regardless of what triggers this
process. The findings could lead to new ways of treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Fact Sheet Minocycline Delays Onset and Slows Progression of ALS in MiceThursday, May 2, 2002
The antibiotic minocycline delays onset and slows progression of symptoms in a mouse model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(ALS), a new study shows. The study also revealed that the drug may work by blocking release of a molecule that triggers
cell death. The findings may lead to new ways of treating ALS or other neurodegenerative disorders.
Fact Sheet NINDS Hails Discovery of Gene for Familial ALSWednesday, Mar 3, 1993
Officials at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) hailed the identification of a gene associated
with the familial form of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). "This discovery is extremely important because it marks the first identification
of a specific gene for a neurodegenerative disease of adult life," said Carl M. Leventhal, M.D., director of the NINDS
program that contributed to support for the research reported in the March 3 issue of Nature*. "It also suggests a likely
mechanism for the damage to nerve cells in familial ALS and, possibly, other brain disorders."
NINDS Hails Advance in ALS ResearchWednesday, May 15, 1991
Officials at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) hailed as a major research advance the mapping
of a gene that causes familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to chromosome 21. "This is an important first step in our
attempt to better understand the basic, molecular mechanisms of this widely studied but poorly understood neurological disorder,"
said Dr. Roger J. Porter, deputy director of the NINDS.
Fact Sheet Post-Polio Patients Have Swallowing Abnormalities that Increase the Risk of ChokingSunday, Apr 21, 1991
Many post-polio patients have swallowing abnormalities that increase the risk of choking but are unaware of their condition,
according to a study directed by a scientist at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and published
in the April 25 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.*
Fact Sheet