Bioenergetics and Protein Metabolism in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

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INTRODUCTION: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disease of the motor neurones of the brain and the spinal cord. The pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease remain unknown. The average age of onset of ALS is about 60 years old, and the mean survival of patients is about 2 years. The disease is responsible for a progressive paralysis leading to death from respiratory failure. The only treatment available is the Riluzole, with a very modest efficiency on the progression of the disease. ALS is the third neurodegenerative disease, affecting 6000 persons in France, 150 000 in the world. Among the protagonists involved in the occurrence of the disease, mitochondrial perturbations and protein accumulations seem to be central elements. OBJECTIVES: To precise the implication of energy and protein metabolism in the sporadic forms of ALS, to identify potential biomarkers of the disease and to test new therapies. METHODS: The investigators will study cell growth, bioenergetics, mitochondrial dynamics, free-radicals production, presence of cytoplasmic inclusions, cytoskeleton structure and stress response in primary skin fibroblasts obtained from sporadic ALS patients. The study will be conducted over a period of three years in 3 centres specialized respectively in motor neuron diseases, mitochondrial metabolism and neuronal cytoskeleton. PROSPECTS: If the investigators achieve to identify differences between ALS fibroblasts and controls, the results will be key elements to reinforce the hypothesis of a systemic disease with an important metabolic participation, to better define ALS pathophysiological mechanisms, to find potential biomarkers and to test new therapies.

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