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Statement from the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Stanford Medicine Research Advancing Understanding of the Brain and Neuromuscular Disease
Washington, D.C., September 18, 2026 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) recognizes new research led by Stanford Medicine researchers that provides insight into the distinct developmental origins of the human forebrain and hindbrain and demonstrates a method for generating functional human hindbrain motor neurons from pluripotent stem cells. The findings, published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, could provide researchers with new tools to study the motor neurons affected in neuromuscular diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Read the Stanford Medicine announcement, “Human brain is two separate organs, Stanford Medicine-led research finds,” here. The peer-reviewed research is published in Nature Neuroscience here.
“Scientific advances that give researchers new ways to study the cells and systems affected by neuromuscular diseases are an important part of building a path toward better treatments and, ultimately, improved outcomes for people living with SMA and ALS in our community. The Stanford Medicine-led research identifying distinct developmental origins for the forebrain and hindbrain and successfully generating functional human hindbrain motor neurons from pluripotent stem cells, represents an important advance in the tools available to researchers. Because specific hindbrain neurons are affected in SMA and ALS and play critical roles in functions including swallowing and breathing, having the ability to study these human cells in the laboratory could help researchers better understand how these diseases affect the nervous system and investigate potential therapeutic approaches. The Muscular Dystrophy Association is encouraged by research that expands our ability to understand neuromuscular disease at the cellular level. While this work is an early research advance and does not represent a treatment for SMA or ALS, new laboratory models such as these can provide valuable tools for accelerating discovery and deepening our understanding of disease mechanisms.”
Media contact: press@mdausa.org.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been at the center of progress for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions for over 75 years. We unite researchers, clinicians, advocates, and families to speed the pace of discovery, improve access to expert care, and ensure inclusion in every aspect of life. Our mission is simple: give the people we serve the tools and opportunities to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org. Follow MDA on social media on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
