Lou Gehrig's 'caused by lack of key protein'RSS Feed

The brain and spinal injury seen in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, is due to the role of a key protein, scientists have said.

Research, published in journal Nature Neuroscience, found that the protein known as TDP-43 collects in the cell's cytoplasm.

In most patients, the protein is found in the nucleus, where it helps to maintain correct levels of ribonucleic acid in individuals who do not suffer from ALS.

Using mouse models, it was found that one-third of genes in the brain are affected by the presence or absence of normal TDP-43.

Gene Yeo, of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, explained: "This autoregulation keeps TDP-43 protein levels in check. The loss of TDP-43 removes this check; more TDP-43 is generated and more is likely to accumulate in the cytoplasm."

ALS is the most common form of motor neurone disease, making up 60-70 per cent of incidences.

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Posted by Paul Breen
 

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