Stockholm University, in collaboration with the Paris Brain Institute and Örebro University, have discovered why some nerve cells are resistant to ALS and how sensitive neurons respond to the disease. By analyzing millions of messenger RNA molecules, the team found that ALS-resistant motor neurons, such as those controlling eye muscles, have naturally high levels of protective factors like En1, Pvalb, Cd63, and Galanin.
The study shows that sensitive motor neurons attempt to activate similar protective responses but ultimately fail, highlighting new opportunities for treatment. Machine learning analysis identified genes VGF, INA, and PENK as potential biomarkers for early ALS diagnosis.
“This research opens up new targets for therapies and could improve early detection of ALS,” says Eva Hedlund, professor of neurochemistry at Stockholm University.
The study focused on hereditary ALS caused by SOD1 gene mutations, offering insights that may inform treatments for both familial and sporadic forms of the disease.
Source: Stockholm University
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