Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) belong to a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases with overlapping symptoms, characterized by muscle wasting, paralysis, dementia, and other serious impairments.
DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Mar 12 2026 Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia belong to a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases with overlapping symptoms, characterized by muscle wasting , paralysis, dementia, and other serious impairments.
There are currently no effective treatments. Many patients have a common hallmark: A protein called TDP-43 clumps together in the neurons of the brain to form tiny lumps. Researchers at DZNE and Ulm University Hospital, together with international experts, have now discovered that these pathological changes primarily affect certain cells. Their findings, published in the scientific journal Nature Communications, could contribute to the development of new therapies. For their study, the research team led by Prof. Karin Danzer examined brain tissue from deceased patients with ALS, with a mixed form of ALS and FTD, as well as from individuals who had not shown neurological symptoms during their lifetime. All samples came from the "motor cortex", a brain area responsible for movement control. In total, neurons from around 80 individuals in Germany, the Netherlands, Scotland, and the United States were analyzed using advanced techniques. In ALS, as well as in the mixed form of ALS and FTD, TDP-43 deposits occur in different regions of the brain. However, the motor cortex is particularly relevant for movement disorders, which is why we focused on this area." The researchers found that not all neurons in this area are equally affected. "The protein aggregates occur predominantly within excitatory cells, that is, within neurons that serve to transmit and amplify nerve signals. These cells seem to be particularly susceptible to the disease. This phenomenon is referred to as selective vulnerability and known for a long time in the field. In addition, within the affected neurons, we found five subgroups. Each of these is impacted by the disease in a specific way," explains Danzer. Disease mechanisms The findings are based on the "transcriptome" of affected neurons. This molecular fingerprint provides information about which genes are active in affected cells and therefore enable to distinguish pathological processes in different cells. Based on this signature, the researchers were also able to identify cell type-specific changes. "Our data offer insights into disease mechanisms and thus point to possible targets for therapy development. For example, one can see how the activity of certain genes is altered depending on the cell type. The observation that not all neurons are equally affected suggests that future therapies will need to be tailored to specific cell types in order to combat the disease effectively," says Danzer.Journal reference:Ruf, W. P., et al. . Multi-modal dissection of cell-type specific TDP-43 pathology in the motor cortex. Nature Communications. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-69944-6. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-69944-6
Neurons Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Cell Cortex Dementia Frontotemporal Dementia Genes Hospital Movement Disorders Muscle Muscle Wasting Neurodegenerative Diseases Paralysis Protein Research Sclerosis TDP-43
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Love Island's Mimii Reveals New Relationship, Showers in Luxury GiftsFormer Love Island contestant Mimii subtly announces her new relationship and shares details of the lavish gifts she received from her partner, 'Mr. Mimii,' including designer handbags and jewelry.
Read more »
Made in Chelsea's Mark-Francis Vandelli: his new showEverything you need to know about Made in Chelsea OG Mark-Francis Vandelli including his job and new reality TV show. Read more at heatworld.com.
Read more »
Nutritionist says 'take one step' before using collagenA new study found the key protein has ‘meaningful’ benefits for your skin, bones and muscles
Read more »
Telepathy in Modern Relationships: Brits Value Partners Who Anticipate Needs, New Study RevealsA new study reveals that a significant number of people in the UK value partners who anticipate their needs, with a growing emphasis on emotional intelligence and intuitive understanding. Samsung's new Galaxy S26 Ultra aims to enhance this with its new feature 'Now Nudge'.
Read more »
Harry Styles Enjoys Morning Run in New York Amidst New Album SuccessHarry Styles takes a break from promoting his new album, Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally, with a morning run in New York City. The album is on track to break records.
Read more »
New Broad Marsh NHS site delayed for second time as new £10 million investment announcedThe £10.5 million investment will triple the number of scanners available at the NHS site
Read more »