Money raised from ALS Ice Bucket Challenge led to ‘significant gene discovery’
Having raised millions globally, the challenge had a positive effect on critical research.
Having raised nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in worldwide donations through the now-famous Ice Bucket Challenge, the ALS Association announced that one of the scientific efforts it funds has achieved a “significant gene discovery.”
In what was the largest study of familial (inherited) ALS ever conducted, researchers announced in the scientific journal Nature Genetics that they have identified a new ALS gene called NEK1. The newly discovered gene reportedly plays a major role in contributing to the disease, meaning that scientists now have a better understanding of ALS (and possible therapy development).
Dr. John Landers of University of Massachusetts Medical School helped to lead the research, which involved more than 80 researchers from 11 countries.
Landers explained the direct role of the Ice Bucket Challenge:
Global collaboration among scientists, which was really made possible by ALS Ice Bucket Challenge donations, led to this important discovery. It is a prime example of the success that can come from the combined efforts of so many people, all dedicated to finding the causes of ALS. This kind of collaborative study is, more and more, where the field is headed.
This August, the ALS Association is planning a new initiative to raise awareness called “Every Drop Adds Up.”
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