Neurovascular signals in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The neurovascular system (NVS) is a complex anatomic-functional unit that synergically works to maintain organs/tissues homeostasis of the entire body. NVS alterations have recently emerged as a common distinct feature in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite their undeniable involvement, neurovascular signalling pathways remain still far unknown in ALS. This review underlines the importance of endothelial, mural, and fibroblast cells as novel targets for ALS investigation and identifies in the interplay between neuronal and vascular systems the way to disclose novel molecular mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of ALS.

Automated summary

The neurovascular system plays a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, but the specific neurovascular signaling pathways in ALS remain largely unknown. This review highlights the importance of endothelial, mural, and fibroblast cells as novel targets for ALS investigation and suggests that studying the interplay between neuronal and vascular systems may unveil new molecular mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of ALS.