Home Department: Undeclared
Mentor: Aaron Gitler (Genetics)

"Fast and Slow-Firing Motor Neurons: Insights into Selective Vulnerability in ALS"

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease in which some motor neurons die while others remain surprisingly resilient. Notably, fast-firing motor neurons degenerate earlier, while slow-firing motor neurons are more resistant. The reason for this remains unclear. This project will investigate the molecular and genetic factors that drive this selective vulnerability, by comparing fast and slow-firing motor neuron populations using single-cell sequencing approaches. By identifying genes and regulatory programs associated with neuronal resilience, this research aims to uncover targets that could be manipulated to make vulnerable neurons more resistant, advancing strategies for treating ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.