 The gut microbiome has been found to be associated with a myotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS. Gut microbes such as E. coli have been shown to cause changes in the gut microbiota composition, leading to increased levels of certain bacteria and decreased levels of others. This imbalance may lead to the development of ALS by altering the immune system and causing inflammation in the brain and spine. Additionally, E. coli produces proteins, which are functional bacterial amyloids. Long-term exposure to curli producing E. coli was found to accelerate the progression of ALS in mice. Furthermore, this study suggests that gut micro-mediated changes in the immune system and inflammatory processes in the brain and spine could be responsible for the development of ALS. This article was authored by Zimbal Keralawala, Joseph D. McMillan, Rika A. Singul and others.