Peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) improves motor performance and survival in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
2011
PGC-1α Improves Motor Performance and Survival in ALS Mice
Sample size: 8
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Zhao Wei, Varghese Merina, Yemul Shrishailam, Pan Yong, Cheng Alice, Marano Paul, Hassan Sadiq, Vempati Prashant, Chen Fei, Qian Xianjuan, Pasinetti Giulio M
Primary Institution: Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Does PGC-1α play a protective role in ALS?
Conclusion
PGC-1α may be a potential therapeutic target for ALS therapy.
Supporting Evidence
- PGC-1α significantly improves motor function in SOD1-G93A mice.
- SOD1-G93A/PGC-1α mice had a median survival of 139 days, longer than the 129 days of SOD1-G93A mice.
- Motor neuron counts were higher in SOD1-G93A/PGC-1α mice compared to SOD1-G93A mice.
Takeaway
Researchers found that a protein called PGC-1α helps mice with ALS move better and live longer.
Methodology
The study used a double transgenic mouse model to assess the effects of PGC-1α on motor performance and survival.
Participant Demographics
Mice used were SOD1-G93A transgenic and PGC-1α transgenic.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0078
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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