Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by selective degeneration of motor neurons. This process results in deterioration of muscle strength in the limbs and bulbar muscles, which support speech and swallowing functions. People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis die on average 3–5 years after diagnosis due to respiratory muscle weakness, which causes respiratory failure.1… Continue reading [Comment] A new era of drug discovery for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Tag: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
[In Context] Head impacts in elite professional football: a growing concern
Football is the most popular team sport worldwide and active participation can improve cardiovascular and respiratory function, and locomotor skills. Nevertheless, there is concern about the risk of developing a neurodegenerative disease several decades after playing professional football. Epidemiological studies and case series have reported a high incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Parkinson’s… Continue reading [In Context] Head impacts in elite professional football: a growing concern
[Personal View] CNS disease associated with enhanced type I interferon signalling
The ability to mount an interferon-mediated innate immune response is essential in protection against neurotropic viruses, but antiviral type I interferons also have neurotoxic potential. The production of type I interferons can be triggered by self-derived nucleic acids, and the brain can be susceptible to inappropriate upregulation of type I interferon signalling. Homoeostatic dysregulation of… Continue reading [Personal View] CNS disease associated with enhanced type I interferon signalling
[ASAP] Proteome Aggregation in Cells Derived from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients for Personalized Drug Evaluation
[Comment] Trial designs for motor neuron disease in the 21st century
Motor neuron diseases are a group of progressive and ultimately fatal neurodegenerative disorders of the motor system, includeing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, primary lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy, and progressive bulbar palsy. Because of the ageing of the population worldwide, the prevalence of motor neuron diseases is expected to increase during the ensuing decades, resulting in… Continue reading [Comment] Trial designs for motor neuron disease in the 21st century
ALS Blood Test Promises Accurate, Earlier Diagnosis
AI SummaryThis article discusses a new blood test that can accurately identify patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at early stages, potentially leading to quicker diagnosis and treatment.A blood test has been shown to accurately identify patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at early stages, which could speed diagnosis and treatment. Medscape Medical News
Slowing Down—A Family’s Experience With ALS
AI SummaryThis essay provides a personal account of the author’s family experience following her father’s diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The focus is on the challenges and emotional impact of dealing with this progressive neurodegenerative disease.This essay discusses the author’s experience after her father was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
ALS-Linked VapB P56S Mutation Alters Neuronal Mitochondrial Turnover at the Synapse
AI SummaryThis article investigates the impact of an ALS-linked VapB P56S mutation on neuronal mitochondrial turnover at synapses. The study shows that wild-type VapB increases mitophagy in the axon terminal while the mutated VapBP56S leads to increased mitochondrial biogenesis without a corresponding increase in mitophagy, suggesting an impaired response. It also indicates that VapB’s role… Continue reading ALS-Linked VapB P56S Mutation Alters Neuronal Mitochondrial Turnover at the Synapse
Disruption of nuclear speckle integrity dysregulates RNA splicing in C9ORF72-FTD/ALS
Dysregulation of RNA processing contributes to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. In this article, Wu et al. demonstrated that nuclear speckle dysfunction represents a converging toxic pathway contributed by both (GGGGCC)n repeat RNA and the noncanonical translation product poly-GR in C9ORF72-FTD/ALS. Impaired nuclear speckle integrity induces RNA mis-splicing and causes neuronal degeneration.
[News] Medicare drug price negotiations by the US Government
AI SummaryThe US government, under President Joe Biden’s administration, has negotiated to cap the prices of ten expensive and commonly used prescription drugs starting in 2026. This deal marks the first time Medicare is negotiating drug prices on behalf of its beneficiaries, including older individuals and those with disabilities.The prices of ten of the most… Continue reading [News] Medicare drug price negotiations by the US Government