Molecular and Cellular Mechanism in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 16
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a relentlessly progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately death. Increasingly, ALS is recognized as part of a broader spectrum of motor neuron diseases, with significant clinical and pathological overlap with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
This Special Issue of IJMS aims to highlight recent advances in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive ALS pathogenesis. Central to this exploration are key pathological features such as protein misfolding and aggregation (e.g., TDP-43, SOD1), dysregulation of RNA metabolism, and the formation of stress granules. The issue will also emphasize the role of genetic mutations, including C9orf72 repeat expansions, and their impact on cellular homeostasis. A particular focus will be placed on axonal degeneration, a critical and early event in ALS progression. Understanding the mechanisms behind axonal transport defects, cytoskeletal disruption, and motor neuron vulnerability is essential for identifying therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
We welcome contributions that address the following:
- Proteinopathies and proteostasis failure in ALS;
- RNA-binding proteins and RNA metabolism dysregulation;
- Stress granule formation and cellular stress responses;
- Genetic mechanisms including C9orf72 and SOD1 mutations;
- Axonal degeneration and transport impairments;
- Selective vulnerability of motor neurons;
- ALS-FTD spectrum and shared molecular pathways;
- Novel therapeutic strategies and disease models.
By integrating insights from molecular biology, neurogenetics, and cellular neuroscience, this Special Issue seeks to advance the understanding of ALS and support the development of effective interventions.
Dr. Nilo Riva
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- motor neuron vulnerability
- TDP-43
- axonal degeneration
- proteinopathy
- stress granules
- C9orf72
- SOD1
- RNA metabolism
- FTD
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