Research has discovered that an inorganic polyphosphate released by astrocytes in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) contributes to the motor neuron death that is the signature of these diseases.
An international team of investigators has discovered that an inorganic polyphosphate released by nerve cells known as astrocytes in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) contributes to the motor neuron death that is the signature of these diseases.
Previous research has shown that astrocytes may release one or more toxic factors that contribute to motor neuron death. Now, a new mouse study demonstrates how astrocytes release an inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) that contributes to the motor neuron death.
The Translational Institute for Molecular Therapeutics leverages UMass Chan Medical School’s extensive experience in researching and developing gene therapies for early-stage clinical trials. Miguel Sena-Esteves, PhD, is director of the new institute.