Scientists have made a breakthrough in the treatment of the fatal neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, which was considered to be incurable for a long time. The research was published in the peer-reviewed Nature Neuroscience journal.
The study identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism of ALS, which can be treated using RNA-gene therapy, that can not only stop the degeneration of the nerves but also regenerate the ones that are damaged. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to weakness of muscles, paralysis, and even respiratory failure due to the death of motor neurons.
The disease has no known cause but can result from genetic disorders, environmental conditions, and cell dysfunction. Until now, the disease has no cure, and the only therapy is slowing the process by managing symptoms and improving the quality of life through a combination of therapies.
The study published in Nature was conducted in Tel Aviv University in the laboratory of Professor Eran Perlson. It was led by Lior Ankol and Ariel Ionescu, along with senior neurologist Amir Dori. Several other scientists from France, Turkey, and Italy also contributed to the research.
Talking to the Press Service of Israel, Perlson said that the finding was important because it gives a lot of new insights into the progression of ALS, and also allowed them to understand possible ways to cure the disease.
