Global ALS Awareness Day: Advancing ALS Research with In Vivo Imaging Technology

Today, June 21 is Global ALS Awareness Day. This is aimed to raise both patient and research awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and MND.

What is Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. It’s also is a rare disease with an incidence rate of about 1.5/100000. The prevalence rate is 4-6/100000.

ALS is characterized by the progressive aggravation of limb weakness, muscle atrophy and Pyramidal tract sign, accompanied by vague speech, dysphagia and other symptoms of medulla oblongata involvement. Involvement from respiratory muscles can lead to dyspnea, sleep apnea at night, and eventually respiratory failure. The most classic type is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is still unclear. According to the current research, 5%-10% of ALS are familial, mostly Autosome dominant inheritance. Research has observed an Autosome recessive inheritance or X-linked inheritance.

How In Vivo Imaging Technology Advancing ALS Research

The use of in vivo imaging technology is an important tool for the study of neurodegenerative diseases. Animal models play a crucial role in ALS research, as they provide a way to study the progression of the disease and evaluate potential therapeutic interventions.

Fluorescence imaging involves the use of fluorescent markers or dyes that emit light when excited by specific wavelengths of light. These markers can be used to label specific molecules or structures of interest within living organisms. In the context of ALS research, fluorescence imaging can provide valuable insights into various aspects of the disease, including the progression of neuronal damage, inflammation, protein aggregation, and cell death.

Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is a technique that involves the use of genetically modified animals expressing light-emitting proteins. By introducing a reporter gene that produces light in cells of interest, researchers can track disease progression by measuring changes in bioluminescent signals. This technique is commonly used in transgenic mouse models of ALS to monitor motor neuron degeneration.

Biolight Biotechnology’s in vivo imaging system (IVIS)

Our AniView multi-model in vivo animal imaging system enables scientists to monitor the progression of ALS in animal models and develop potential therapy, which contributes to finding the causes of ALS, developing treatments and ultimately curing ALS/MND.

Advantages of BLT’s in vivo imaging system (IVIS)

• Ultra-high sensitivity

• Ultra-low fluorescent background

• User-friendly operating software

• Smart design solutions

• More expansion modules

>> Learn more about the AniView Multi-Model In Vivo Animal Imaging System

Reference:

• Tian F, Morimoto N, Liu W, Ohta Y, Deguchi K, Miyazaki K, Abe K. In vivo optical imaging of motor neuron autophagy in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Autophagy. 2011 Sep;7(9):985-92. doi: 10.4161/auto.7.9.16012. Epub 2011 Sep 1. PMID: 21628996.

• https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/401306