Ovsepian, Saak, O'Leary, Valerie B and Martinez, Salvador (2023) Selective vulnerability of motor neuron types and functional groups to degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: review of the neurobiological mechanisms and functional correlates. Brain Structure and Function. ISSN 1863-2653 (Print), 1863-2661 (Online) (doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-023-02728-6)

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Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative condition characterised by a progressive loss of motor neurons controlling voluntary muscle activity. The disease manifests through a variety of motor dysfunctions related to the extent of damage and loss of neurons at different anatomical locations. Despite extensive research, it remains unclear why some motor neurons are especially susceptible to the disease, while others are affected less or even spared. In this article, we review the neurobiological mechanisms, neurochemical profiles, and morpho-functional characteristics of various motor neuron groups and types of motor units implicated in their differential exposure to degeneration. We discuss specific cell-autonomous (intrinsic) and extrinsic factors influencing the vulnerability gradient of motor units and motor neuron types to ALS, with their impact on disease manifestation, course, and prognosis, as revealed in preclinical and clinical studies. We consider the outstanding challenges and emerging opportunities for interpreting the phenotypic and mechanistic variability of the disease to identify targets for clinical interventions.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	bulbar and spinal ALS; excitotoxicity; motor neuron disease; motor units; SOD1 mutation; skeletal and visceral muscles; TDP43
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > School of Science (SCI)
Last Modified:	15 Jan 2024 13:56
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/45355

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