“Global collaboration among scientists, which was really made possible by ALS Ice Bucket Challenge donations, led to this important discovery,”
- John Landers of the UMass Chan Medical School
Research Strategy
The development of exon capture and short-read sequencing technologies allows for screening of cohorts for rare variants at a genome-wide scale in an economically feasible way. Our laboratory is focused on utilizing the exon capture and short-read sequencing approach, in combination with bioinformatics analysis, to identify novel causative genes for ALS. It is our hope that by understanding the genetic contributors to ALS, we will facilitate our understanding the disease, as well as assist in the development of diagnostics and therapies to extend and improve the lives of ALS patients.
UMass Chan-led discovery of ALS gene funded by Ice Bucket Challenge
The discovery of an ALS gene by UMass Chan Medical School scientist John Landers, PhD, and a large, international research team, funded by the viral Ice Bucket Challenge campaign, is garnering headlines around the globe.
New gene variants present in 3 percent of all ALS patients
Variations in a gene with multiple functions in neurons are present in approximately 3 percent of all cases of ALS in North American and European populations, both sporadic and familial...
READ MORENew ALS Association grant supports John Landers research into identifying ALS genes
The ALS Association - Massachusetts Chapter awarded John Landers, PhD, professor of neurology, a $25,000 grant to further his ongoing research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons that control muscle cells.
READ MORE