Tel Aviv University Study Identifies Way to Slow ALS Progression

IFCJ Canada  |  November 19, 2025

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, remains one of the most elusive neurodegenerative diseases – it is fatal, and the exact causes are unknown. The Jerusalem Post reports that a team of scientists at Tel Aviv University have made a groundbreaking discovery that can help our understanding and treatment of ALS.

The research focused on toxic aggregates of the protein TDP-43, which accumulate at the tips of nerve cells where they meet muscles. [Prof. Eran] Perlson’s team discovered that healthy muscle cells release small RNA molecules called microRNA-126, which travel to nerve endings and prevent excessive TDP-43 from forming toxic aggregates. In ALS patients, however, muscles produce less microRNA-126, allowing TDP-43 to build up, damage mitochondria, the cell’s energy source, and ultimately destroy motor neurons.

“This discovery revealed an entirely new mechanism that regulates the specialized connection between nerves and muscles,” Perlson explained to TPS-IL. “The neuromuscular junction is thought to be one of the first sites to fail in ALS, leading to paralysis and eventually death. Understanding this mechanism gives us a precise target for intervention.”

The study showed that reducing microRNA-126 in healthy nerve cells caused ALS-like degeneration, while increasing microRNA-126 in ALS patient-derived tissues and model mice reduced TDP-43 levels, stopped neuron degeneration, and even promoted nerve regeneration.

This opens the door for treating similar degenerative diseases affecting nerves and muscles. Meanwhile, there is still the challenge of implementing this into treatments for humans. Prof. Perlson’s team came from many nations – from France, Turkey, and Italy. It’s incredible what can be achieved when all differences are put aside in the name of healing the sick.