Abstract
New insights into the molecular genetics and cellular pathophysiology of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis changed the landscape of neurodegenerative diseases during the last two decades. The model of TDP-43 proteinopathy disseminating through the CNS along predetermined pathways brought an plausible explanation for seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Hexanucleotid expansion of the gene C9ORF72, among other mutations, is an outstanding example of various manifestations of one genotype into different phenotypes, namingly FTD, ALS or combination of both disorders in one patient. Both former entities are now considered a part of a clinico-pathological spectrum of syndromes.
This allows a preciser definition of the different subtypes of ALS with different prognosis. User-friendly tools for diagnostics and prognostication have been developed and could soon find its way to daily clinical routine.