Gary Armstrong

Gary Armstrong is an Associate Professor and Killam Research Scholar in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (The Neuro), a research and teaching institute of McGill University. His laboratory focuses on understanding the disease mechanisms underlying Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and developing translational therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Armstrong completed his M.Sc. (2003-2005) and PhD (2005-2009) at Queen's University, studying neuroprotective adaptations during stress exposure. His postdoctoral training was conducted at Université de Montréal (2010-2014) and CRCHUM (2014-2016), where he investigated synaptic defects in ALS zebrafish models.

His research program centers on neurodegenerative disorders, particularly ALS. The Armstrong Laboratory utilizes zebrafish as an experimental model system to investigate synaptic function defects through electrophysiological, optogenetic, and imaging approaches. The lab employs CRISPR gene-editing technology to create precise animal models with disease-associated mutations found in ALS patients (TARDBP, FUS, CHCHD10, TBK1, DNAJC7, and SPTLC1). This approach preserves native expression patterns, unlike traditional transgenic models that rely on non-endogenous promoters. The laboratory also develops translational therapeutic strategies, including drug screening platforms and gene therapies using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs).

Analysis of Dr. Armstrong's publication record reveals a progression from fundamental mechanisms of neuroprotection and synaptic function to targeted ALS research and therapeutic development. His recent work emphasizes precise genetic modeling of ALS, mitochondrial involvement in disease pathogenesis, and the development of drug screening platforms that bridge cellular findings to in vivo therapeutic testing. The consistent use of zebrafish models across his career demonstrates a strategic approach to studying neurodegenerative processes in a genetically tractable vertebrate system.

• Killam Research Scholar

Dr. Armstrong's research has advanced from basic mechanisms to clinical applications, with his work on Ciprofloxacin/Celecoxib combination therapy progressing through multiple clinical trial phases. This began with a Phase 2a trial (NCT04165850), followed by a Phase 2b trial (NCT05436678), and is now moving toward a Phase III trial coordinated between NeuroSense Therapeutics and Biogen. His laboratory has developed a zebrafish drug screening platform that provides in vivo readouts of therapeutic recovery of motor and synaptic function, effectively bridging cellular model research with animal model testing for preclinical validation.

The Armstrong Laboratory at The Neuro maintains a strong focus on translating basic research findings into therapeutic applications for ALS. Current projects include developing endogenously expressed gene-edited zebrafish models, investigating mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS pathogenesis, and screening potential therapeutic compounds. The laboratory actively collaborates with clinical teams at The Neuro's ALS clinic, ensuring research directions remain aligned with patient needs and clinical observations. Future work is directed toward advancing gene therapy approaches using antisense oligonucleotides and expanding the drug screening platform to identify novel therapeutic candidates for ALS and related neurodegenerative disorders.