Following the Path of Programmed Cell Death
Every cell in the body has a built in suicide program that is normally kept under control. During embryonic development, the body uses this suicidal cell death pathway to eliminate cells only temporarily needed to help shape the embryo’s final form—much like the scaffolding for a building. Uncontrolled regulation of this suicide cascade—also called apoptosis— is part of the process that allows tumors to grow.

Some recent theories, however, suggest that improperly turning on apoptosis might be an event that occurs in ALS. Studies are underway by several Center scientists to investigate this. Drugs that affect cell suicide have shown modest success in ALS mice. These drugs are not yet available for human use, although many companies are beginning to develop them. This is an active area for future ALS research at both the basic and the therapeutic level.