Title:Biomarkers and Future Targets for Development in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Volume: 21
Issue: 31
Author(s): Parvathi Menon, Matthew C. Kiernan and Steve Vucic
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, clinical trial, excitotoxicity, glutamate, motor neuron disease, riluzole.
Abstract: Although the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(ALS) remain to be fully elucidated, there have been significant advances in the understanding of ALS pathogenesis, with
evidence emerging of a complex interaction between genetic factors and dysfunction of vital molecular pathways. Glutamate-
mediated excitoxicity is an important pathophysiological pathway in ALS, and was identified as an important therapeutic
biomarker leading to development of the only pharmacologically based disease-modifying treatment currently
available for ALS. More recently, a putative role of voltage-gated persistent Na+ channels in ALS pathogenesis has been
suggested and underscored by neuroprotective effects of Na+ channel blocking agents in animal models. In addition, advances
in ALS genetics have lead to identification of novel pathophysiological processes that could potentially serve as
therapeutic targets in ALS. Genetic therapies, including antisense oligonucleotide approaches have been shown to exert
neuroprotective effects in animal models of ALS, and Phase I human trial have been completed demonstrating the feasibility
of such a therapeutic approach. The present review summarises the advances in ALS pathogenesis, emphasising the
importance of these processes as potential targets for drug development in ALS.
