Growing evidence suggests dysregulated autophagy contributes toward several neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS and FTD. In the session 7A – genetics and genomics, Professor John Hardy from University College London highlighted that many ALS causing mutations occur in genes that regulate autophagy. In addition, accumulation of misfolded protein in motor neurons is a pathological hallmark of…… Continue reading Session 4A Autophagy
Discussion of respiratory management in caring for ALS patients is essential for their comfort, health and end-of-life decisions. This session covered a range of information from original diagnosis of respiratory failure, use of a diaphragm pacing system and experiences of termination or failure of ventilation from the perspectives of health professionals working in ALS centres…… Continue reading Respiratory Management in ALS – Session 8B from Brussels
The last scientific session for the symposium was on non-neuronal cells and comprised of speakers from around the world. Professor Hugh Perry (Southampton, UK) gave the first presentation. He discussed the commonality between various neurodegenerative diseases and the role inflammation, microglia and macrophages play. In neurodegeneration, microglia proliferate and are primed by the molecules CSF-1…… Continue reading Non-neuronal cells – A final symposium report
Linda Greensmith from UCL, UK and Bradley Turner from the Florey Institute, Australia chaired one of the final sessions for Saturday on Murine Models. With the number of causative genes increasing over the last 20 years it is critical to understand the disease mechanism for each gene to progress understanding of the disease and more…… Continue reading Murine models – A report from Brussels
Much of the symposium this year involved discussions on the disease associated proteins of MND. This session specifically focussed on the cellular biology and resultant pathology that arises as a consequence of the aberrant functioning of these proteins.The session started with an interesting talk by Dr Baralle who has uncovered the key sites on the…… Continue reading Session 6A : Cell Biology and Pathology
