Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that affects motor neurons, the cells responsible for controlling muscle movements. Research has shown that motor neurons do not become sick only on their own. Other supporting cells can change their behavior and contribute to damage and inflammation, as in the case of astrocytes.

In the lab we study the “dialogue” between motor neurons and astrocytes, to understand how it is altered in the disease and how it drives degeneration.

The goal is to identify new mechanisms that can be targeted with innovative therapies to slow down or stop the progression of ALS.