We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Novel AI-Based Analysis Method Uncovers New Insight into ALS Progression

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 02 Jul 2024

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal condition where motor neurons, which are crucial for controlling movement, progressively die. More...

Currently, there is no cure for ALS, and patients typically live between 2 and 5 years after diagnosis. Now, in a new study published in Science Advances, researchers have shown how to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to gain deeper insights into ALS progression.

The study, led by researchers from the School of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of St Andrews (Scotland, UK), in collaboration with the Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen (Copenhagen, Denmark), found that certain neural circuits that control movement are compromised early in the disease, while others deteriorate later as the disease progresses. The techniques used in the study allow for the simultaneous analysis of multiple cell types within the spinal cord, enhanced by an innovative AI-driven analytical method. This enabled the identification of specific networks of cells that are impacted early in the disease process before the motor neurons actually die. These networks include subgroups of inhibitory interneurons, which are essential for activating motor neurons that control movements like walking and running.

The findings indicate that different types of cells, namely inhibitory and excitatory interneurons which regulate various movement aspects by activating motor neurons, are affected at different stages of ALS. Inhibitory interneurons are impacted early in the disease, while excitatory interneurons suffer as the disease progresses. The AI-based method developed by the team improves the quantification of this data. Their approach uses advanced techniques to identify which cell types are key contributors to the disease. These cells are notably diverse and mixed within the spinal cord, making them challenging to study simultaneously. The AI model developed by the team helps overcome these challenges and sheds light on new potential treatment targets. This methodology is available online, aiming to support further research in this field.

“We used techniques that allow us to visualize and quantify multiple genes at the same time with single cell resolution in the spinal cord of the ALS mouse model”, said lead researcher Dr Ilary Allodi, lecturer in Systems Neuroscience at the School of Psychology and Neuroscience. “Each cell type can be identified by a specific set of genes, but these genes need to be visualized simultaneously. By using these transcriptomic techniques, we were able to differentiate between inhibitory and excitatory populations and among their subpopulations. This allowed us to investigate their fate during different stages of disease progression.”

Related Links:
University of St Andrews
University of Copenhagen


Gold Member
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
PlGF Test
Quidel Triage PlGF Test
New
Rapid Test Reader
DIA5000
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric leukemia ensures better outcomes for children with this common cancer (Photo courtesy of Qlucore)

RNA-Seq Based Diagnostic Test Enhances Diagnostic Accuracy of Pediatric Leukemia

A new unique test is set to reshape the way Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (BCP-ALL) samples can be analyzed. Qlucore (Lund, Sweden) has launched the first CE-marked RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.