Fruit Flies and Cellular Demise – Zeroing in on the Causes of ALS

Fruit Flies and Cellular Demise – Zeroing in on the Causes of ALS
New UArizona research has identified a previously unknown pattern of protein creation in the motor neurons, which are the cells that malfunction in patients with ALS. By restoring the missing proteins at one end of the cell, movement returns. Next, the team hope s to determine if the surprising over-production at the other end of the cell also has consequences.
Mikayla Mace Kelley
Today
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People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis lose the ability to move because the neurons that connect their muscles with their brain break down and die.HealthBIO5College of ScienceResearch
Media contact(s)Mikayla Mace Kelley
University [e-mail]520-621-1878
Researcher contact(s)Daniela Zarnescu
Molecular and Cellular [e-mail]520-626-1478Erik Lehmkuhl
Molecular and Cellular [e-mail] Gehrig ' s disease is a progressive disease marked by the deterioration and death of nerve cells used for voluntary movements such as walking, talking, eating and so much more. It is incurable.TDP-43 is a protein often found forming clumps within the cells of people with ALS, oramyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is known to disrupt healthy protein creation in cells, ultimately leading to cellular demise. Scientists weren ' t sure how – until now.A University of Arizona-led team has uncovered an import...

Source: The University of Arizona: Health - April 13, 2021 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: mikaylamace Source Type: research