Abstract: Methods for determining the onset of ALS in a subject are provided. One method includes analyzing a sample obtained from the subject for the presence or amount of one or more biomarkers indicative of ALS. In a preferred embodiment, the biomarkers are one or more of the following: C-reactive protein (CRP), cystatin c, plasminogen, complement C3, CysGly-transthyretin, and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNFH). The sample is typically cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The levels or concentrations of the biomarkers can be used to determine the onset of ALS, monitor the progression of ALS, or monitor the progression of a treatment for ALS.

Abstract: Methods for determining the onset of ALS in a subject are provided. One method includes analyzing a sample obtained from the subject for the presence or amount of one or more biomarkers indicative of ALS. In a preferred embodiment, the biomarkers are one or more of the following: C-reactive protein (CRP), cystatin c, plasminogen, complement C3, CysGly-transthyretin, and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNFH). The sample is typically cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The levels or concentrations of the biomarkers can be used to determine the onset of ALS, monitor the progression of ALS, or monitor the progression of a treatment for ALS.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a subject, a method for assessing the effectiveness of a drug in treating ALS, and a method for determining the site of onset of ALS in a subject. Each method comprises (a) obtaining a sample from the subject, (b) analyzing the proteins in the sample by mass spectroscopy, and (c) determining a mass spectral profile for the sample. In some embodiments, the method comprises comparing the mass spectral profile of the sample to the mass spectral profile of a positive or a negative standard.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of determining a diagnosis or prognosis of motor neuron disease in a mammal comprising determining the expression level of one or more proteins or polypeptides of the renin-angiotensin system in a sample taken from a subject. Similarly, aberrant post-translational modification of the proteins or polypeptides as compared to a negative control indicates a diagnosis of disease.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a subject, a method for assessing the effectiveness of a drug in treating ALS, and a method for determining the site of onset of ALS in a subject. Each method comprises (a) obtaining a sample from the subject, (b) analyzing the proteins in the sample by mass spectroscopy, and (c) determining a mass spectral profile for the sample. In some embodiments, the method comprises comparing the mass spectral profile of the sample to the mass spectral profile of a positive or a negative standard.

Abstract: Methods for determining the onset of ALS in a subject are provided. One method includes analyzing a sample obtained from the subject for the presence or amount of one or more biomarkers indicative of ALS. In a preferred embodiment, the biomarkers are one or more of the following: C-reactive protein (CRP), cystatin c, plasminogen, complement C3, CysGly-transthyretin, and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNFH). The sample is typically cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The levels or concentrations of the biomarkers can be used to determine the onset of ALS, monitor the progression of ALS, or monitor the progression of a treatment for ALS.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a subject, a method for assessing the effectiveness of a drug in treating ALS, and a method for determining the site of onset of ALS in a subject. Each method comprises (a) obtaining a sample from the subject, (b) analyzing the proteins in the sample by mass spectroscopy, and (c) determining a mass spectral profile for the sample. In some embodiments, the method comprises comparing the mass spectral profile of the sample to the mass spectral profile of a positive or a negative standard.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a subject. The method comprises administering to the nervous system of the subject a composition comprising a thyroxine protein or a therapeutic fragment or pharmacologic mimic thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention also provides a method for treating ALS in a subject that comprises administering to the subject a transthyretin protein, 7B2 protein, a cystatin C protein, a neuroendocrine protein, a cysteine protease inhibitor, or an inhibitor of an enzyme that processes a 7B2 protein. In addition, the invention provides methods for determining the susceptibility of a subject to developing ALS and for determining the progression of ALS in a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a subject. The method comprises administering to the nervous system of the subject a composition comprising a thyroxine protein or a therapeutic fragment or pharmacologic mimic thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention also provides a method for treating ALS in a subject that comprises administering to the subject a transthyretin protein, 7B2 protein, a cystatin C protein, a neuroendocrine protein, a cysteine protease inhibitor, or an inhibitor of an enzyme that processes a 7B2 protein. In addition, the invention provides methods for determining the susceptibility of a subject to developing ALS and for determining the progression of ALS in a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of determining a diagnosis or prognosis of motor neuron disease in a mammal comprising determining the expression level of one or more proteins or polypeptides of the renin-angiotensin system in a sample taken from a subject. Similarly, aberrant post-translational modification of the proteins or polypeptides as compared to a negative control indicates a diagnosis of disease.