User: Simmunome Inc.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motor neurons and atrophy of skeletal muscles, for which there is currently no cure. The lack of preclinical models that faithfully replicate the disease mechanisms observed in humans presents a major obstacle to the discovery of new therapies.
Our project aims to develop a computational model of ALS using transcriptomic data obtained from human cellular models derived from patients with the sporadic form of the disease. We will co-culture motor neurons and astrocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells of both patients and healthy individuals. The transcriptomic profiles of these models will be integrated by our partner, Simmunome Inc., to develop a computational ALS model, from which disease signatures will be identified. This could potentially lead to the discovery of biomarkers and new therapeutic targets.
This project will benefit our partner by facilitating the development of their artificial intelligence platform and will help the industry optimize clinical trials for ALS, thereby reducing associated costs and accelerating the development of therapies. Furthermore, this research will support the growth of academic and biotechnology sectors in Quebec.