Scientific Seminar

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On April 3, 2025, Łukasiewicz – PORT hosted a scientific seminar titled The Neuromuscular Junction as a Therapeutic Target and Source of Biomarkers in ALS, delivered by Professor Richard Robitaille from the Department of Neurosciences at the University of Montreal.

The seminar focused on the latest therapeutic strategies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with particular emphasis on the early degeneration of neuromuscular junctions—changes that occur before the onset of muscle weakness and paralysis. Professor Robitaille presented data from both ex vivo and in vivo experiments, highlighting the significant influence of the local environment on the process of denervation in ALS.

 

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Scientific Seminar

A key part of the discussion centered on the role of glial cells at various stages of disease progression and their impact on neuromuscular function. In the section dedicated to preclinical research, Professor Robitaille shared promising results indicating that supporting the innervation of neuromuscular junctions can lead to improved muscle function and extended lifespan in ALS models.

The seminar also addressed ongoing efforts in his laboratory to identify components of the neuromuscular junction as potential biomarkers of ALS. These efforts include collaborative projects utilizing blood sample analysis and patient-derived tissues, enabling comparisons across research centers. This approach supports the broader objective of the SAME–NeuroID project: developing standardized, cross-institutional methods for studying nervous system disorders.

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