Zebrafish have emerged as remarkably powerful models for exploring the genetic roots of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and related neurological disorders. Their rapid development, transparent bodies and the presence of conserved counterparts to most ALS-associated genes allow us to watch disease processes unfold in real time. By switching off specific genes or introducing human ALS-linked mutations, it is possible to create a wide range of zebrafish models that mimic key features of the disease. In this talk, I will present how these models enable direct comparisons between different ALS-associated genes and reveal the mechanisms they share. Across models carrying mutations in C9orf72, TDP-43, FUS, and TBK1, we observe both common and distinct pathways that drive disease — insights that help explain why ALS can vary so widely from one patient to another. These studies have also uncovered several promising therapeutic targets, some of which are already advancing through clinical testing. I will also introduce the Charcot Institute, a new initiative uniting France’s leading ALS clinicians and researchers. Its mission is to accelerate the journey from laboratory discoveries to effective treatments for people living with ALS.
Deep learning in the search for dark matter: an overview
Dr. Roberto Ruiz de Austri
Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Institute of Corpuscular Physics (IFIC), Valencia, Spain
