Gene therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Neurobiol Dis. 2012 Nov;48(2):236-42. doi: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.08.018. Epub 2011 Aug 25.

Abstract

Gene therapy continues to be a potential option for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This chapter will inform the reader about promising therapeutic transgenes and proof-of-principle studies in transgenic rodent models of ALS. Challenges regarding the disease targets and time for therapeutic intervention will be also discussed. Finally, restorative therapy for ALS, as well as gene therapy for other motor neuron diseases will be briefly reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / epidemiology
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / pathology
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / therapy*
  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Astrocytes / physiology
  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Gene Silencing
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Motor Neurons / physiology
  • Muscular Atrophy, Spinal / therapy
  • Neuromuscular Junction / physiology