New Insight Into ALS

Researchers at UK have discovered a new cellular mechanism that may better explain what causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.  ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that involves the death of motor neurons, leading to the muscle weakness and atrophy. 

The UK team, led by Haining Zhu, Ph.D., assistant professor of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, reported on how mutations in a gene that makes a protein called superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) slow down the transport of molecules and vesicles inside neurons.  The result of the slower transport may be the death of the relevant neurons.