Biomarkers and molecular mechanisms of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract

<abstract> <p>Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease in adults involving non-demyelinating motor disorders. About 90% of ALS cases are sporadic, while 10–12% of cases are due to some genetic reasons. Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (<italic>SOD1</italic>), <italic>TAR</italic>, <italic>c9orf72</italic> (chromosome 9 open reading frame 72) and <italic>VAPB</italic> genes are commonly found in ALS patients. Therefore, the mechanism of ALS development involves oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, glutamate excitotoxicity and aggregation of proteins, neuro-inflammation and defective RNA function. Cholesterol and LDL/HDL levels are also associated with ALS development. As a result, sterols could be a suitable biomarker for this ailment. The main mechanisms of ALS development are reticulum stress, neuroinflammation and RNA metabolism. The multi-nature development of ALS makes it more challenging to pinpoint a treatment.</p> </abstract>