Molecular targets for neuroprotection

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal paralytic neurodegenerative disorder. Experimental models of ALS such as the transgenic rodents expressing mutant superoxide dimutase‐1 are playing a pivotal role in our understanding of ALS pathogenesis, and in our testing of new therapeutic interventions aimed at protecting against neurodegeneration. Apoptosis has emerged as a significant pathogenic factor in several neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS. Constructed of multiple interacting molecules, the apoptosis machinery offers a host of attractive targets for pharmacological and genetic interventions to be tested in experimental models of ALS. Information generated by these pre‐clinical studies holds the promise to provide sound scientific basis for the development of effective neuroprotective therapies for ALS.

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