Leveraging Biomarkers to Track ALS Progression in Mouse Models for Drug Discovery

Summary

Developing effective therapies for ALS is challenging due to its progressive nature and difficulty of detection, as delays in detection limit the window for impactful treatment. To address this challenge, we are leveraging biomarkers—measurable indicators of disease presence, progression, and treatment response—in ALS mouse models. Early identification of biomarkers enables more precise insights into ALS progression, facilitating more effective evaluation of therapeutic candidates and accelerated drug discovery.

Learn about JAX's capabilities in applying biomarker strategies, including:

• Blood-based: Protein measures such as neurofilament light chain (NfL) for neuronal damage; minimally invasive, allowing for repeated sampling over time.
• Neurophysiological: Electromyography (EMG) to monitor functional decline; noninvasive and suitable for longitudinal assessments.
• Behavioral: Motor and activity assays (rotarod, hanging wire, open field); fully noninvasive, enabling repeated measures throughout disease progression.
• Histological: Tissue-level changes reflecting inflammation, degeneration, and pathology; terminal assays that provide detailed endpoint information.

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