Targeting Autophagy to Improve Protein Metabolism in Als

Grant number: 1104295 | Funding period: 2016 - 2018

Completed

Abstract

One common feature of MND is the accumulation of protein deposits inside nerve cells which leads to their death. We have identified a potent drug which enhances autophagy, a protective process which breaks down protein deposits inside cells. We have shown that this autophagy enhancer efficiently clears protein deposits linked to MND in the Petri dish. We propose to treat MND mice with this autophagy enhancer and predict that it will slow disease signs, preserve lifespan and protect nerve cells.

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