Vantage Point

As we enter into the Packard Center’s fourth year, some stock-taking seems right. Financial support for the Center has grown this year and we’re profoundly grateful for that. We’re also pleased at how broad-based it’s become. Read about David Deutsch and the fantastic students from Long Island.

And what of our research? This year we helped usher the beta lactam antibiotics to the brink of clinical trials. And we’re well into our joint studies using gene-based methods to solve the fundamental problem of breathing in ALS patients. They’re on track. Also, we’ve begun working on ways to shut off familial ALS genes—a move to prevent or stop the disease in that subset of patients.

This year, the stem cell-derived motor neurons Doug Kerr’s team nurtured grew appropriately through injured mouse-model spinal cords—a key step toward repair [Spring 2004 issue]. Marie Filbin’s studies on nerve cell inhibition helped Doug sidestep inherent roadblocks the body puts on that path. Read about Filbin’s recent work—her team’s trying to take advantage of a gene that indirectly encourages neuron growth.

Our more basic studies have also made strides. Kati Andreasson’s found a built-in neuroprotective system in cells—a discovery she’s moving toward ALS therapy [Spring 2004]. And this issue describes Jon Glass’s work revealing where injury begins in motor neurons. It gives hope of buying time for therapy, even after the disease has begun.

Research that nails down the role of glial cells in neuron death, that clarifies which paths neurons use for repair and that sheds light on how we can use growth factors like the famous VEGF to best advantage has advanced at Packard lab benches.

All this speeds us to the cure.

Jeffrey D. Rothstein, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, The Robert Packard Center for ALS Research

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