These studies have shown that independent of the species(mouse versus human) and mutant gene (SOD1, TARDBP, and C9ORF72),ALS astrocytes excessively release soluble factors, including glutamate,reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), ATP, various cytokinesand chemokines, and inorganic polyphosphates (polyP). Here, C9orf72 is linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.