Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disease which causes the loss of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. While the cause of most cases of ALS is unknown, roughly 20% of cases are caused by inheritance of one of a number of genetic mutations.
The genetics behind ALS are complex and more than 25 different genes have been implicated in the disease. The most common known genetic form of ALS is a repeat expansion mutation in the C9orf72 gene.
Get Involved with Research
If you would like information about any of the opportunities listed below, please contact Deborah Morrison.
Now recruiting
Clinical Trials and Studies
This study investigates the safety and efficacy of Metformin in patients with ALS, specifically the C9orf72 genetic form of the disease.

Ongoing RECRUITment
Banking Study
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases being treated at the Fixel Institute may participate in these ongoing studies. The goal is to collect biospecimens to study in the lab.

Ongoing Recruitment
Work in a Lab
Are you a passionate student or post-doc looking making to an impact on Neurogenetic research at the University of Florida? Candidates are encouraged to contact individual CNG faculty members to inquire about research opportunities in the CNG.

ALS News
The Conversation
ALS scientific breakthrough: Diabetes drug metformin shows promise in mouse study for a common type of ALS
An FDA-approved diabetes drug shows early signs of promise against the most common genetic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a devastating neurological condition that causes paralysis.

Uf Health
New study shows common diabetes drug improves symptoms in genetic form of ALS in mice
New preclinical research shows a commonly used Type 2 diabetes drug can improve symptoms in a specific genetic form of ALS and frontotemporal dementia in mice.
