New approaches for investigation and pharmaceutical development of neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases disrupt functions of the nervous system by killing specific types of neurons. Recent technological development including gene manipulation and stem cell techniques contributes various new approaches for research of neurodegenerative diseases to develop cure for the diseases. Here we focus on ALS and we summarize current cure, genetics and pathophysiological mechanisms. Also we review disease model animals and cells, and discuss next generation cell culture modeling technique potentially enhance the drug discovery.