This firbroblast growth factor binding protein 1 (FGFBP1) and small peptides that mimic its function have the potential of treating a wide-range of conditions that affect skeletal muscles and motor neurons. Because FGFBP1 is significantly decreased prior to the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in skeletal muscles, it also serves as a biomarker for diagnosing individuals with the disease prior to the onset of neurological symptoms.