ABSTRACT:
AIM: To review recent accomplishments in cell transplant treatment for ALS and future options with iPSC technology. OBJECTIVE: To learn about different stem cell therapies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease. BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the predominant loss of motor neurons (MNs) in primary motor cortex, the brainstem, and the spinal cord. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a multifactorial progressive neurodegenerative disorder leading to severe disability due to skeletal muscle paralysis and death within 3-5 years of diagnosis. Cell-based therapy has been proposed as an ultimate source for regeneration of MNs. Since direct replacement or restoring of motor neurons using various stem cells is challenging, enrichment of healthy donor-derived astrocytes appears to be a more realistic and beneficial approach. Autologous somatic stem cell-based human trials are now in track to reveal the outcome of the ongoing trials. Recent accomplishments in cell transplant treatment for ALS and future options with iPSC technology is discussed. REASON: Furthermore, Induced pluripotent stem cell (IPSC)-based ALS disease drug screen and autologous cell transplant options will broaden therapeutic options.