Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as a promising tool in the field of research and therapy for neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a progressive disorder that affects motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis and ultimately death. iPSCs are adult cells that have been reprogrammed to behave like embryonic stem cells, capable of differentiating into various cell types. By generating iPSCs from people living with ALS, researchers are able to study disease-specific cellular pathologies and gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of the disease.
One of the major advantages of using iPSCs in ALS research is the potential to model disease progression and test potential therapeutics in a laboratory setting. iPSCs can be differentiated into motor neurons – the key cells affected in ALS – allowing researchers to study the dysfunction and degeneration of these cells. By comparing iPSC-derived motor neurons from ALS patients to healthy controls, scientists can identify disease-associated changes, such as altered gene expression or protein levels. This can help in the development of biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of ALS progression, as well as provide targets for potential drug development.
One company that is exploring the relationship between iPSCs and ALS is NeuroSense Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NRSN). NeuroSense Therapeutics is a cutting-edge biotechnology company that develops a novel combination therapy aimed to address several mechanisms in this complex disease. NeuroSense, in a collaboration with the University ...