Investigations in our laboratory consist of multiple topics using a variety of methods. One example is our search for genetic factors that might "modify" ALS disease activity. Here we are comparing DNA, RNA, and protein expression from people with early vs. late onset disease and slowly progressive vs. rapidly progressive disease. We are also searching the genes of people who are healthy and do not have ALS, but who carry a genetic mutation that typically causes ALS. Why are they "resisting" the onset of disease? Another example is the discovery of "cryptic exons", which are pieces of RNA that normally are not made into protein, but in the context of ALS are "released" to make small pieces of protein (called cryptic peptides). These peptides, if they can be measured, will provide an important biomarker of ALS pathology that might be used for diagnosis, prognosis, or even measures of disease activity during clinical trials. There are several other projects underway using the techniques of genomics, proteomics, cell modeling, and even the creation of animal models.
Some New Projects:
- In collaboration with investigators at the University of Massachusetts and the NIH, and funded by ALSA, Dr. Glass is working on generating a repository of whole genome sequences collected from ALS patients around the world. This will be a valuable collection of genetic information unprecedented in size and will be made available to any and all investigators who are studying any aspect of ALS.
- The Emory ALS Center is continuing the Biomarkers Study, funded by the NIH. This project, in collaboration with investigators at the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and the Massachusetts General Hospital will use animal models and human tissues to identify causative factors in patients with this form of genetic ALS. It is open to anyone with a potential to carry a gene mutation.
Our Investigators:
Dr. Jonathan Glass, Director. Professor of Neurology and Pathology. Dr. Glass actively collaborates with other ALS investigators around the world on multiple projects examining ALS genetics, immunology, neuropathology, and animal and cellular models of ALS. Dr. Glass also continues his work on discovering biomarkers of ALS, which necessitates the participation of PALS and CALS. We are collecting blood and spinal fluid samples from patients for our research. Family members and non-related adults are also important participants in our studies, serving as “controls” that allow us to compare results between people living with and without ALS. Dr. Glass is also a Neuropathologist, and much of his research depends on tissue donations providing a rich source of material for investigations into the causes of ALS.
Dr. Christina Fournier, Associate Professor of Neurology. Dr. Christina N. Fournier is an Associate Professor of Neurology and clinical researcher at Emory University and the Atlanta VA Medical Center. She serves as Co-Director of the Emory ALS Center, Director of the ALS and Neuromuscular Programs at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, and Director of the Neuromuscular Division at Emory. Dr. Fournier’s research focuses on strengthening ALS clinical trials and developing improved tools to measure disease progression, with the goal of accelerating the development of effective treatments. She has led and participated in numerous multicenter ALS clinical trials, served as Principal Investigator on Department of Defense- and VA-funded research to advance ALS outcome measures, and contributes to national initiatives shaping the future of ALS clinical research.
Eleanor Thomas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurology. Eleanor Thomas, MD, PhD, is a neurologist and researcher at Emory ALS Center. Her research focuses on finding blood-based markers that can help diagnose ALS earlier and more accurately. She studies changes in proteins in the blood of people with ALS and uses advanced data analysis methods to identify patterns linked to the disease. Her work aims to develop better tools for diagnosis and to improve care for patients living with ALS.
Jane Bordeau, RN, BS, MS, Research Director. Jane Bordeau, RN, BS, MS is the Research Director for the Emory ALS Center. She leads and oversees a diverse portfolio of clinical research studies and trials focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of ALS. Since joining the Emory ALS Center in 2010, Jane has played a pivotal role in expanding research opportunities for people living with ALS while helping connect groundbreaking scientific discoveries to meaningful patient outcomes.
Most importantly, we need the partnership of our patients and their families to study and better understand this disease!
Visit these pages on our website to learn about upcoming clinical research and trials we are offering:
CLINICAL RESEARCH
CLINICAL TRIALS
HAVE YOU ENROLLED IN THE NATIONAL ALS REGISTRY??
NEALS Educational Webinars: In partnership with The ALS Association, NEALS offers live webinars for people with ALS, caregivers and the broader ALS community. Topics include updates on clinical trials, best practices for clinical care, and current research efforts in ALS causes and treatments. Our webinars also offer participants the opportunity to ask questions directly of the experts running clinical trials and conducting research activities.
View the full NEALS listing of webinars for people with ALS and caregivers.