E-Mail IMAGE: NIH researchers discovered a new form of ALS that begins in childhood. The study linked the disease to a gene called SPLTC1. As part of the study, NIH senior scientist... view more Credit: Courtesy of the NIH/NINDS. In a study of 11 medical-mystery patients, an international team of researchers led by scientists at the National Institutes of Health and the Uniformed Services University (USU) discovered a new and unique form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Unlike most cases of ALS, the disease began attacking these patients during childhood, worsened more slowly than usual, and was linked to a gene, called SPTLC1, that is part of the body's fat production system. Preliminary results suggested that genetically silencing SPTLC1 activity would be an effective strategy for combating this type of ALS.