Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease that destroys the motor neurons needed for movement, speech, and breathing, but new research shows that other spinal cord cells called interneurons may be affected even earlier. This project focuses on V3 interneurons, which help coordinate movement and appear to die off long before ALS symptoms emerge. Using specialized mouse models, the study will track how these cells change in structure, activity, and connections as the disease develops. By understanding these early changes in spinal cord circuitry, the research aims to open new paths for earlier detection and broader treatment strategies for ALS.
