UNC13A and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The UNC13A protein is involved in synaptic vesicle maturation and neuronal outgrowth.28 Lithium has been shown to influence many pathways, including the induction of sprouting of pyramidal neurons in the corticospinal tract and the promotion of synaptogenesis, and plays a role in autophagy.29 All these mechanisms are potentially relevant to ALS.