New amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk factors research from University of Oxford discussed
2007 NOV 19 -- A report, 'Genetics of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,' is newly published data in Human Molecular Genetics. According to recent research published in the journal Human Molecular Genetics, "Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized clinically by rapidly progressive paralysis leading ultimately to death from respiratory failure. There is substantial evidence suggesting that ALS is a heritable disease, and a number of genes have been identified as being causative in familial ALS." "In contrast, the genetics of the much commoner sporadic form of the disease is poorly understood and no single gene has been definitively shown to increase the risk of developing ALS. In this review, we discuss the genetic evidence for each candidate gene that has been putatively associated with increased risk of sporadic ALS," wrote J.C. Schymick and colleagues, University of Oxford. The researchers concluded: "We also review whole genome association studies of ALS and discuss the potential of this methodology for identifying genes relevant to motor neuron degeneration." Schymick and colleagues published their study in Human Molecular Genetics (Genetics of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Human Molecular Genetics, 2007;16 Spec No():R233-42). For additional information, contact J.C. Schymick, University of Oxford, Dept. of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK. The publisher's contact information for the journal Human Molecular Genetics is: Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon St., Oxford OX2 6DP, England. Keywords: United Kingdom, Oxford, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Risk Factors, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Genetics, Motor Neuron Disease, Neurology. This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
|
