Opportunities for neuroprotection in ALS using cell death mechanism rationales

Although cell death is fundamental to motor neuron (MN) diseases, the contributions of different forms of cell death to MN degeneration in human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and in transgenic mouse models of ALS are uncertain. Some studies report that apoptosis contributes to the neurodegeneration, but other studies reject these claims. This controversy needs resolution because it is therapeutically relevant. Clarification of MN death mechanisms will provide rational targets for new therapeutics for ALS.