Boldine as a neuroprotective agent against motor neuron degeneration in models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

ABSTRACT: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron loss. Current FDA-approved treatments offer only modest benefits. Connexins (Cx), proteins that mediate intercellular communication have emerged as potential therapeutic targets, with increased Cx hemichannel (HC) activity observed in ALS models, and blocking Cx HC activity prevents motor neuron loss in vitro. Boldine, a natural compound with both Cx HC-blocking and antioxidant properties, has shown neuroprotective potential. This study investigated boldine's effects in ALS models. In vitro, spinal cord cell cultures exposed to conditioned media from mutant SOD1^G93A astrocytes showed a 50% reduction in motor neuron survival, elevated Cx HC activity, and incr

SUBMITTER: Toro CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12481613 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature