Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding NMD polypeptides, and methods of using such polypeptides and nucleic acids in the treatment of ALS and in screening for agents for the treatment of ALS are described.

The present disclosure provides compositions with a modulating gene expression and methods for modulating transcription.

The invention relates to a genetically modified mouse comprising a heterozygous mutation of Tardbp (TDP-43) gene in that the Asn at amino acid 390 in TDP-43 is substituted with an amino acid that is different from Asn, wherein the genetically modified mouse exhibits Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-like phenotypes, TDP-43 proteinopathies and/or motor neuron degeneration. The invention also so relates to an isolated spinal cord motor neuron differentiated from an embryonic stem cell (ESC) that is obtained from an offspring of a genetically modified mouse according to the invention. Methods for identifying an agent alleviating and/or suppressing ALS-TDP pathogenesis are also disclosed.

Provided is an invention that is based on the novel function of a transcription factor RP58 in cells of the central nervous system. The present invention relates to: a transgenic non-human animal capable of increasing or decreasing the expression of the transcription factor RP58 in cells of the central nervous system of a non-human animal in the nascent stage and/or during and after the developmental stage; and a pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment or prevention of brain dysfunction, or behavioral disorder, or a disease related thereto, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a transcription factor RP58 protein, or a gene encoding the transcription factor RP58; etc.

Non-human animal genomes, non-human animal cells, and non-human animals comprising a humanized TTR locus comprising a V30M mutation and methods of making and using such non-human animal genomes, non-human animal cells, and non-human animals are provided. Non-human animal cells or non-human animals comprising a humanized TTR locus express a human TTR protein or a chimeric TTR protein, fragments of which are from human TTR. Methods are provided for using such non-human animals comprising a humanized TTR locus to assess in vivo efficacy of human-TTR-targeting reagents such as nuclease agents designed to target human TTR.

The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for transferring a gene encoding sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase (SPL) in a subject in need thereof by using recombinant AAV virions. The subject may have or may develop SPL insufficiency syndrome (SPLIS). The subject may be identified on the basis of a genetic test and/or SPLIS symptoms. The methods and compositions are also useful in lowering circulating sphingosine-1-phosphate levels in a subject having elevated S1P levels.

The present disclosure provides transgenic nematode systems for assessing function of heterologous genes, their variants and drug discovery. The transgenic nematodes contain a heterologous gene that is inserted via homologous recombination at the native locus replacing and removing the nematode ortholog, wherein expression of the heterologous gene rescues function of the removed nematode ortholog and a transgenic control animal is provided. The heterologous gene may be further modified to provide a variant, such as a human clinical variant, whereby a transgenic test animal is provided. Those transgenic test animals are used in methods to assess function of the heterologous variant and drug screens to find therapeutic candidates reversing deviant activity back to wildtype.

The present invention relates to adeno-associated viral (AAV) particles encoding siRNA molecules and methods for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The present disclosure is directed to a method of treating neurological disorder comprising peripheral administration to a patient in need thereof a DN-TNF polypeptide that inhibits the activity of soluble TNF- but not transmembrane TNF-α.

The present application relates to a non-human mammal model of a human neurodegenerative disorder, methods of producing the non-human mammal model, and methods of using the non-human mammal model to identify agents suitable for treating a neurodegenerative disorder. The present application also relates to methods of treating neurodegenerative disorders and restoring normal brain interstitial potassium levels.