Molecular targets for neuroprotection.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal paralytic neurodegenerative disorder. Experimental models of ALS such as the transgenic rodents expressing mutant superoxide dimutase-1 are playing a pivotal role in our understanding of ALS pathogenesis, and in our testing of new therapeutic interventions aimed at protecting against neurodegeneration. Apoptosis has emerged as a significant pathogenic factor in several neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS. Constructed of multiple interacting molecules, the apoptosis machinery offers a host of attractive targets for pharmacological and genetic interventions to be tested in experimental models of ALS. Information generated by these pre-clinical studies holds the promise to provide sound scientific basis for the development of effective neuroprotective therapies for ALS.