NWO-XS: Wired to move: reconnecting the human neuromuscular junction

Movement begins with a spark – a signal jumping from nerve to muscle. This spark is made possible by the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a vital connection that enables muscles to contract. In disorders like ALS, this junction is disrupted, contributing to progressive muscle weakness. In this project, we will create a human based model of the NMJ to investigate how this connection is impaired and how it might be restored. By testing protective compounds and tracking NMJ activity in real-time, this project will offer new insights into neuromuscular dysfunction and accelerate the search for effective treatments without using test animals.