MODAL: Modelling neural network dynamics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder leading to severe dysfunction of motor neurons and, inevitably, to death approximately 3-5 years after onset in most cases. It is the most common disorder amongst the group of motor neuron diseases and, despite intensive research efforts, no curative treatment options are currently available. This mainly reflects the immense complexity of the disease and the fact that fundamental mechanisms underlying it are poorly understood. Recent advances in neurotechnologies can significantly enhance preclinical research. To fully harness their potential for the purpose of improving our understanding of ALS and, thereby, our capacity to accelerate the development of effective strategies for clinical translation, we must elevate the status of knowledge beyond the state-of-the-art. In this project we seek to achieve optimal integration of novel and emerging in vitro modelling tools with advanced neurotechnologies that enable thestudy of healthy and diseased neurons at the network level. We feel that although some of these tools are widely applied, there is still tremendous scope for innovation, not only in the manner the relevant platforms are used, but also in the context of being further developed, optimised, and integrated for the purpose of addressing fundamental research questions. With regard to ALS, a very central yet unanswered questions is: How does the disease progress to increasingly affect more and more motor neurons? To start addressing this and related questions, we will employ the unique inter- and cross disciplinary expertise and infrastructure represented within our consortium to further develop and apply relevant morphogenetic engineering, neurotechnologies and computational methods and principles.