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Two studies yield different information about the role astrocytes — cells that normally protect motor neurons — play in the ALS disease process
Posted on Friday, March 29, 2013 - 11:43, By: Amy Madsen
Scientists continue to work at uncovering the biological mechanisms underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). One area of intense study involves the potential role of central nervous system support cells called astrocytes.
Decreased activity of the EPHA4 receptor leads to extended life span in animal models of ALS and SMA, and in people with ALS
Posted on Monday, September 3, 2012 - 05:00, By: Amy Madsen
Decreased activity of the EPHA4 receptor, which is encoded by the EPHA4 gene, increases life span in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a team of scientists has reported.
The receptor, which was found to modify disease in zebrafish, mice, rats and humans, works together with a gene...
A biomarker in the blood may indicate the earliest stages of ALS and provide a way to monitor disease progression using a blood test
Posted on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - 05:00, By: Amy Madsen
A "pro-inflammatory" chemical signature displayed by monocytes (a type of white blood cell) appears to signal the presence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) even before symptoms begin, a team of scientists has reported. If verified, the blood biomarker may make it possible for physicians to...
A compound used to treat blood infections in humans seems to improve ALS symptoms in mice
Posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 13:45, By: ALSN Staff
A compound known as "activated protein C" (APC) that is already in use to treat severe bloodstream infections also may have benefit in ALS, according to a recently published report.
A multinational team found three new DNA variations that may increase the risk of developing ALS
Posted on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - 10:02, By: ALSN Staff
A large, multinational study to identify genetic risk factors associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has found two DNA sequences on chromosomes 9 and one on chromosome 19 that are significantly different in people with and without the disease and may contribute to its...