Lysosomal and phagocytic activity is increased in astrocytes during disease progression in the SOD1 (G93A) mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

ABSTRACT: Astrocytes are key players in the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Previously, gene expression profiling of astrocytes from the pre-symptomatic stage of the SOD1(G93A) model of ALS has revealed reduced lactate metabolism and altered trophic support. Here, we have performed microarray analysis of symptomatic and late-stage disease astrocytes isolated by laser capture microdissection (LCM) from the lumbar spinal cord of the SOD1(G93A) mouse to complete the picture of astrocyte behavior throughout the disease course. Astrocytes at symptomatic and late-stage disease show a distinct up-regulation of transcripts defining a reactive phenotype, such as those involved in the lysosome and phagocytic pathways. Functional analysis of hexosaminidase B enzyme activity in the spinal co

SUBMITTER: Baker DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4606544 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature