Modifying Cellular Stress Response as a Way To Treat ALS

An MDA-supported research team has identified compounds that may prevent nerve-cell loss caused by dysregulation of a critical cell survival mechanism

Article Highlights:

• An MDA-supported research team has identified a series of compounds that appear to work alone and in combination to protect the nerve cells that are lost in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
• Worm and zebrafish models of ALS that were treated with the compounds showed less neurodegeneration and less paralysis than untreated animals.
• The compounds all target various pathways involved in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, a critical cell survival mechanism that works to decrease nerve cell stress