Brent T. Harris Research Group

Georgetown University

Why do upper and lower motor neurons selectively degenerate in ALS and related diseases? The lab studies basic cellular and molecular pathogenesis of ALS using defined neuronal and glial cells in culture to identify signals that promote motor neuron survival or contribute to degeneration. The group uses rodent transgenic models (SOD1, TDP-43) to examine how cellular interactions and molecular defects produce ALS-like disease in vivo. Researchers analyze axonal transport and mitochondrial dysfunction in motor neurons with live imaging to link organelle dynamics to degeneration.