New model for ALS

I found another website (http://www.news-medical.net/news/20110812/New-model-for-amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis.aspx) that talks about the development of a new model for ALS


The researchers derived astrocytes (cells) from patients of ALS, and found that the cells secrete toxic factors which cause nerve cells to degenerate. A similar mechanism has been found in mouse models of ALS. Researchers also found from further experiments that inflammatory responses may play a role in this toxicity. For example they analysed 84 genes involved in inflammation, and found that 35-60 percent of the genes showed increased activity in ALS astrocytes compared to controls.


The results of other experiments suggested the need for further investigation of SOD1 and astrocytes as targets for therapy.(23)

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