MYC-driven gliosis impairs neuron-glia communication in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Chronic activation of glial cells leads to the dysfunction and degeneration of motor and cortical neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia with an unknown mechanism. To shed light on the molecular pathogenetic processes underlying the exordium and contribution of gliosis to disease onset and progression, we used cells, mice and patient-derived cells modelling TDP-43, SOD1 and C9ORF72-linked and sporadic ALS. Our data reveal a sequential disease progression, starting with enhanced glial reactivity and proliferation, and transitioning into inflammation with upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes. Using mouse genetics, we show that expression of mutant TDP-43 in astrocytes is necessary to cause gliosis and behavioural abnormalities. Mechanistically, we show that glial MYC gain-of-function drives neurodegeneration by promoting the release of astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles that nonetheless fail to provide trophic support to surrounding neurons. Our research reveals a novel functional role for MYC in glia-to-neuron miscommunication in ALS.