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Published on: September 7, 2021
The ER proteostasis network in ALS: Determining the differential motoneuron vulnerability
Pablo Rozas1, Leslie Bargsted1, Francisca Martínez1
1Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Studies of the Cell, University of Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) involves motoneuron loss driven by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Targeting the unfolded protein response (UPR) may offer a therapeutic strategy for this neurodegenerative disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease.
- Selective loss of motoneurons is a hallmark of ALS.
- Altered protein aggregation and mRNA metabolism are implicated in ALS pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in selective neuronal vulnerability in ALS.
- To explore the potential of targeting the unfolded protein response (UPR) as an ALS therapeutic strategy.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on ER stress and UPR in ALS.
- Analysis of pathological signatures in ALS progression.
Main Results:
- Alterations in ER proteostasis are an early pathological sign in ALS.
- ER stress acts as a key driver of selective motoneuron vulnerability in ALS.
Conclusions:
- ER stress plays a fundamental role in ALS pathogenesis.
- Targeting the UPR presents a promising therapeutic avenue for ALS treatment.
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