Prize Award 2005

“Role and Therapeutic Potential of VEGF in Motor Neuron Degeneration : a Study in Transgenic Mice and Rats“

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motorneurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting, ultimately leading to complete paralysis and death. We have investigated the role and therapeutic potential of the angiogenic factor VEGF in the pathogenesis of ALS. We could show that reducing VEGF levels in mice results in motor neuron degeneration, which is at least in part due to insufficient direct neuroprotective effects of VEGF on motor neurons. Furthermore, increasing VEGF levels in mouse and rat models of ALS, either by viral gene transfer or by VEGF protein administration, results in therapeutic effects in these preclinical models, with improved motor performance and increased life span.