Pathogenesis for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) remains largely unknown. Using a mouse model of ALS and FTD, the authors found that somatostatin interneurons in motor cortex were hyperactive. This hyperactivity led to the disinhibition of pyramidal neurons and correlated with signs of excitotoxicity. Ablating somatostatin interneurons restored the excitability of pyramidal cells to a normal level and prevented neurodegeneration.
- Wen Zhang
- Lifeng Zhang
- Da-Ting Lin
