Apo-Ferritin as a Therapeutic Treatment for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Abstract
Iron accumulation and deposition have been reported in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Previous work in mutant SOD1 mice mouse models of ALS have indicated that iron chelation with a chemical agent extends lifespan. Therefore, we propose the use of apo-ferritin, the iron-storage protein ferritin that is iron poor, as a natural ionophore to sequester excess iron and redistribute it. The overall hypothesis is that infusion of apo-ferritin protein into the brain will provide neuroprotection by limiting the availability of excess iron to catalyze free-radical production. The most significant finding from the first year of funding is that infusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid containing nutrients, including H-ferritin, increases lifespan and delays onset of disease in SOD1G93A mice. Furthermore, the number of motor neurons in the lumbar spinal cord at endpoint is greater in mice that received infusion versus those that did not. The potential clinical significance of this work is that increasing turn-over of cerebrospinal fluid should be further explored as a therapeutic option in ALS.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA567828
Entities
People
- James R. Connor
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University