Homeostatic Neuroprotection in ALS

Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive, and synapse loss typically precedes later stages of cognitive and motor decline. We still don’t have a clear understanding on what mediates progression and if there are normal physiological mechanisms that prevent it. This project proposes a new model for how homeostatic plasticity in the nervous system may act as a “break” that normally opposes the early synapse loss and progression of neurodegeneration, which could reveal new mechanisms and strategies for slowing or reversing progression of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.