The therapeutic potential of stem cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Stem cells -based therapy is one of the most promising therapeutic approaches for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is a fatal neurodegenerative disease without cure. This paper reviews the most intriguing pre-clinical and clinical studies and reports the current status of knowledge regarding ALS pathogenesis, confronting it with stem cell applications and their effects. Here we summarize various therapeutic approaches with respect to different sources of stem cells and diverse administration routes. Observed slow down of the disease progression and acceptable side effects emerge as the solid basis for optimism regarding the potential of the stem cell therapy for ALS.