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Molecular Research of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Neurobiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2024 | Viewed by 4112

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
Interests: ALS

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

To date, more than 130 treatments have been tested in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but no agents with substantial efficacy on disease progression have been found. New information about epidemiological and genetical factors has been explored in recent years, moving our research activity towards new therapeutic strategies.

The present Special Issue aims to explore, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  • An overview of the current research on the promising molecular and cellular mechanisms of therapeutic agents in ALS;
  • Identification of new agents/combination of agents on ALS in preclinical or clinical studies;
  • Systematic review on molecular insight in ALS;
  • Methodological issues and challenges in the treatment of ALS (related both to disease progression or symptoms management);
  • Overview of animal studies performed in ALS: issues, strength, pros and cons.

Dr. Elisabetta Pupillo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • ALS
  • motor neuron
  • therapeutic strategies

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

26 pages, 724 KiB  
Review
Gut Symptoms, Gut Dysbiosis and Gut-Derived Toxins in ALS
by Aven Lee, Robert Henderson, James Aylward and Pamela McCombe
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(3), 1871; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25031871 - 03 Feb 2024
Viewed by 939
Abstract
Many pathogenetic mechanisms have been proposed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recently, there have been emerging suggestions of a possible role for the gut microbiota. Gut microbiota have a range of functions and could influence ALS by several mechanisms. Here, we review the [...] Read more.
Many pathogenetic mechanisms have been proposed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recently, there have been emerging suggestions of a possible role for the gut microbiota. Gut microbiota have a range of functions and could influence ALS by several mechanisms. Here, we review the possible role of gut-derived neurotoxins/excitotoxins. We review the evidence of gut symptoms and gut dysbiosis in ALS. We then examine a possible role for gut-derived toxins by reviewing the evidence that these molecules are toxic to the central nervous system, evidence of their association with ALS, the existence of biochemical pathways by which these molecules could be produced by the gut microbiota and existence of mechanisms of transport from the gut to the blood and brain. We then present evidence that there are increased levels of these toxins in the blood of some ALS patients. We review the effects of therapies that attempt to alter the gut microbiota or ameliorate the biochemical effects of gut toxins. It is possible that gut dysbiosis contributes to elevated levels of toxins and that these could potentially contribute to ALS pathogenesis, but more work is required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
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20 pages, 695 KiB  
Review
The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Microbiota–Gut–Brain Cross-Talk with a Focus on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
by Anca Moțățăianu, Georgiana Șerban and Sebastian Andone
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(20), 15094; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242015094 - 11 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2863
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the gradual loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive motor function decline. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment, and its increasing prevalence is linked to an aging [...] Read more.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the gradual loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive motor function decline. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment, and its increasing prevalence is linked to an aging population, improved diagnostics, heightened awareness, and changing lifestyles. In the gastrointestinal system, the gut microbiota plays a vital role in producing metabolites, neurotransmitters, and immune molecules. Short-chain fatty acids, of interest for their potential health benefits, are influenced by a fiber- and plant-based diet, promoting a diverse and balanced gut microbiome. These fatty acids impact the body by binding to receptors on enteroendocrine cells, influencing hormones like glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptide YY, which regulate appetite and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, these fatty acids impact the blood–brain barrier, neurotransmitter levels, and neurotrophic factors, and directly stimulate vagal afferent nerves, affecting gut–brain communication. The vagus nerve is a crucial link between the gut and the brain, transmitting signals related to appetite, inflammation, and various processes. Dysregulation of this pathway can contribute to conditions like obesity and irritable bowel syndrome. Emerging evidence suggests the complex interplay among these fatty acids, the gut microbiota, and environmental factors influences neurodegenerative processes via interconnected pathways, including immune function, anti-inflammation, gut barrier, and energy metabolism. Embracing a balanced, fiber-rich diet may foster a diverse gut microbiome, potentially impacting neurodegenerative disease risk. Comprehensive understanding requires further research into interventions targeting the gut microbiome and fatty acid production and their potential therapeutic role in neurodegeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
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