The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating polyamine pathway activity as a means for ameliorating neurodegenarative disorders. In particular, for ameliorating the symptoms or onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by modulating the gene and protein products involved the polyamine pathway, such as by inhibiting the enzyme, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), involved in the synthesis of the polyamine, putrescine. Compositions and methods are disclosed for inhibiting the polyamine pathway producing lower polyamine levels resulting in a beneficial effect on ALS. This can be accomplished by using modulating agents such as analogs, or polyamine analogs, and antiproliferative drugs. In particular, the ODC inhibitor difuoromethylornithine (DFMO) is disclosed as a useful pharmacological agent in the modulation and treatment of ALS. Screening assays for pharmacological agents that are capable of decreasing polyamine levels and/or reducing cell proliferation are also disclosed.
本发明提供了调节
多胺通路活性的方法和组合物,作为改善神经变性疾病的一种手段。特别是,通过调节涉及
多胺途径的
基因和蛋白质产物,例如通过抑制参与合成
多胺--
腐胺的酶--
鸟氨酸脱羧酶(ODC),来改善肌萎缩性脊髓侧索硬化症(ALS)的症状或发病。已公开的组合物和方法可抑制
多胺途径,降低
多胺水平,从而对 ALS 产生有益影响。这可以通过使用类似物或
多胺类似物等调节剂以及抗增生药物来实现。特别是,ODC
抑制剂二氟甲基鸟氨酸(DFMO)作为一种有用的药理制剂被公开用于 ALS 的调节和治疗。此外,还公开了能够降低
多胺水平和/或减少细胞增殖的药剂筛选试验。