home
RSS
New ALS gene mutation discovered
September 21st, 2011
12:01 PM ET

New ALS gene mutation discovered

Researchers have identified a genetic abnormality which they believe to be the most common cause of  two devastating neurological diseases and could provide future clues to treatment.  Two new studies, published online in the journal Neuron, found that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig's disease and frontotemporal dementia or FTD that run in families are caused in many cases by a mutation on a single gene on chromosome number 9.  This mutation causes a short DNA sequence to repeat over and over, much more frequently than in healthy people.  The ALS Association, which funded both studies, calls the identification of this genetic mutation "a major milestone in ALS research."

According to the data, in healthy individuals the DNA sequence repeats 2 to 23 times. In 23% of familial ALS patients and 12% of familial FTD patients the sequence repeated 700-1,600 times.

ALS and FTD are both fatal neurological diseases of the brain. In ALS, nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord begin to degenerate and patients lose the ability to move their bodies and breathe. Almost 6,000 American are diagnosed with the crippling disease each year.  FTD causes the degeneration of parts of the brain that control language, emotion, behavioral control and the ability to make decisions (the temporal and frontal lobes).  About 20-40% of people with FTD have a family history of the disease.

One study looked at patients in Finland which has a high population of ALS patients, according to lead study author Dr. Bryan Traynor from the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

"With this finding we've gone from understanding a quarter of familial ALS to two-thirds of familial ALS," Traynor said. "In terms of thinking of the future, what this provides us with is a target to go after. What this allows us to do is to design cell models and animal models of disease we can use to start to screen drugs, and therapeutic agents to see if they are effective in turning off this particular genetic mutation."

Traynor says there are 4 genes known to account for 25% of all familial ALS cases. The chromosome 9 gene accounts for an additional 40%.

In the second study, researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida also found the same repeat DNA sequence. "This finding has the potential to lead to significant insights into how both of these neurodegenerative diseases develop," Senior Investigator Dr. Rosa Rademakers, neuroscientist at the Mayo Clinic said. "And may give us much needed leads into new ways to treat our patients."

The ALS Association's Chief Scientist Lucie Bruijn calls the new data tremendously exciting. "These findings will significantly impact the field as we begin to understand more about the consequences of these changes to the disease process, aid or understanding of FTD and ALS, potentially provide a diagnostic tool, and enable the development of new therapeutic approaches."

Still, Traynor says he wants to keep expectations within bounds and be careful not to raise false hopes. That's because typically it's 10 years from gene discovery to clinical trial. He says that's a long time when ALS patients usually live 2-3 years after the onset of symptoms.

"It's a step forward, Traynor said. "Now we know which room in which house on which street in which city and that knowledge facilitates ultimately working up a treatment that will slow down this fatal disease.".


soundoff (1,143 Responses)
  1. 먹튀사이트

    Thanks a lot to you, I figured out something new. Give thanks you so much. We glimpse forward to working with you.

    https://www.instapaper.com/p/juteedge69

    April 3, 2021 at 13:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. Willy Hubin

    There couple of fascinating points with time on this page but I don’t know if I see them all center to heart. There is certainly some validity but I most certainly will take hold opinion until I explore it further. Good post , thanks and now we want far more! Put into FeedBurner at the same time

    https://www.slideserve.com/ursulaluke1207/get-helpful-tips-about-health-and-fitness-which-are-easy-to-fully-grasp-powerpoint-ppt-presentation

    April 3, 2021 at 23:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. 먹튀검증업체

    Seriously. Guru. You're some sort of genius. Give thanks to you.

    https://scientific-programs.science/wiki/Hotels_in_Venice_Everything_You_Need_to_Know

    April 4, 2021 at 02:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. Onion Exporter

    Hmm it seems like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I'll just sum it up what I had written and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I'm still new to everything. Do you have any points for novice blog writers? I'd definitely appreciate it.

    https://musescore.com/user/37916161

    April 4, 2021 at 04:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. 먹튀검증사이트

    Your website is great as in the event that it have been written by a writer. I will visit your blog generally. Thanks a lot always.

    https://vinpearlsafaricuchi.com/forum/profile.php?section=personality&id=585654

    April 4, 2021 at 12:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. 먹튀검증커뮤니티

    Thanks a lot to you, I mastered something new. Give thanks to an individual so much. My spouse and i glimpse forward to working with you.

    https://fakenews.win/wiki/Macau_An_Extraordinary_Paradise

    April 4, 2021 at 17:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. zom

    Your style is very unique in comparison to other folks I've read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this site.

    http://www.google.de

    April 5, 2021 at 04:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. 안전놀이터목록

    Wow. Master. You're a master. Thank you.

    http://www.cnccode.com/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=fatherorange71

    April 5, 2021 at 08:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. 사설토토사이트

    Your blog is great as in case it had been written simply by a writer. My goal is to check out your blog usually. Thanks a lot always.

    http://www.drugoffice.gov.hk/gb/unigb/anotepad.com/notes/mjh2yasm

    April 5, 2021 at 17:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. clown cbd oil

    I adore the way you have ended this post ...

    https://aging.com/best-cbd-oil/

    April 6, 2021 at 00:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. Georgine Armantrout

    whoah this blog is excellent i love reading your posts. Stay up the good work! You realize, lots of people are looking around for this info, you can help them greatly.

    https://www.slideserve.com/irenevale824/get-useful-tips-about-health-and-fitness-which-can-be-straightforward-to-understand-powerpoint-ppt-presentation

    April 6, 2021 at 08:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. 토토

    Heya, tend to be not you too great? Your current writing widens my information. Thank you.

    http://q2a.sydt.com.tw/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=yardlumber9

    April 6, 2021 at 09:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. 안전놀이터목록

    Regards to you, My spouse and i mastered something new. Give thanks a person so much. I actually appear forward to working with you.

    https://nerdgaming.science/wiki/A_Guide_To_Gambling_In_Las_Vegas

    April 6, 2021 at 10:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. 카지노사이트

    I was so pleased from your blog. Thank anyone so much.

    http://www.studiolegalecentore.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=2453206

    April 7, 2021 at 10:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. metal shredder wear parts

    Manganese steel, also called Hadfield steel or mangalloy, is a steel alloy having 12-14 manganese. Distinguished for its high effect stamina and also resistance to abrasion in its solidified state, the steel is often referred to as the utmost work setting steel.

    http://sqworl.com/47hrmi

    April 7, 2021 at 17:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. 우리카지노

    Wow. If you're so good that will you're so good currently. Your help woke us up. Thank you very much.

    http://danlabecki.ca/bodylit1/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=279792

    April 7, 2021 at 22:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. 카지노사이트

    Wow. Wizard. You're a new wizard. Thank you.

    https://menwiki.men/wiki/Some_sort_of_Gambling_Guide

    April 8, 2021 at 08:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. Chantelle Fornier

    http://www.google.de

    April 9, 2021 at 06:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. ghd sports apk download

    It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it's time to be happy.
    I have read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you
    some interesting things or advice. Maybe you can write next articles
    referring to this article. I desire to read even more things about it!

    April 10, 2021 at 12:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. 우리카지노

    Just what a man of power! You have the ability to compose good items that you can't get anyplace. to envy

    http://bbs.tanwanly.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=466022

    April 11, 2021 at 00:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. Despina Niland

    Howdy! I just want to give you a big thumbs up for your excellent information you've got right here on this post. I'll be coming back to your blog for more soon.

    http://www.google.de

    April 11, 2021 at 02:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Otilia Michniak

    After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

    http://ity.im/q62hf

    April 11, 2021 at 06:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. 토토사이트

    I love your blog site. I'm used. Thank you.

    https://devpost.com/moodyfarrell741732

    April 11, 2021 at 12:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. 토토사이트

    It's a envious article. It's very awesome and brand-new. Who are you to write this kind of special article?

    https://funsilo.date/wiki/Please_Boost_My_Concentration_Along_With_Focus

    April 11, 2021 at 20:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. viagra canada pharmacy

    canada cheap viagra https://canadaviagrastore.com/ viagra canada pharmarcy

    April 12, 2021 at 04:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. Bob Pickhardt

    As soon as I noticed this website I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.

    https://businessmediablog.doodlekit.com/blog/entry/13982963/012-monday-july-17-2017-fortune-brainstorm-tech-2017-aspen-co-usa-430-pm-qualcomms-next-quest-can-the-colossus-of-smartphone-chips-crack-the-chinese-market-will-its-38-billion-merger-with-nxp-help-fend-off-intel-and-what-about-apple-we-talk-with-the-ceo-steve-mollenkopf-ceo-qualcomm-photograph-by-jordan-curetfortune-brainstorm-tech

    April 12, 2021 at 07:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. 사설토토

    I was so fascinated because of your blog. Thank a person so much.

    http://bigapple.idv.tw/discuz/home.php?mod=space&uid=904534

    April 12, 2021 at 09:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. tadalafil 40

    order tadalafil https://elitadalafill.com/ tadalafil pills

    April 12, 2021 at 11:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. 토토사이트

    Going through your brilliant blog is great as when it were being written by a writer. I am going to check out your blog usually. Thanks always.

    http://ugreshlib.ru/user/radiofrog56/

    April 12, 2021 at 11:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. buy vardenafil over the counter online

    side effects for vardenafil https://vegavardenafil.com/ levitra generic vardenafil

    April 12, 2021 at 15:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. 메이저사이트

    You're therefore amazing. Oh my The almighty. God bless you.

    http://gatherbookmarks.com/story8622992/betting-addiction-and-depression

    April 12, 2021 at 17:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. 토토사이트

    Hello, usually are you too great? Your writing widens my information. Say thanks to you.

    https://socialclubfm.com/story9322622/kinds-of-poker-games

    April 13, 2021 at 00:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. order tadalafil

    tadalafil 40 https://elitadalafill.com/ tadalis sx

    April 13, 2021 at 09:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. Tod Pavlicek

    This website is often a walk-through its the details you desired about this and didn’t know who to inquire about. Glimpse here, and you’ll absolutely discover it.

    https://what-is-a-startup.mystrikingly.com/blog/4-questions-to-ask-yourself-if-you-want-to-be-more-innovative

    April 13, 2021 at 16:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. Find The Best Magic Mushroom Spores Here

    Exactly the kind of material that enhances the web. Thanks!

    https://magic-mushrooms-online.com/product-category/magic-mushroom-spores/

    April 13, 2021 at 21:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. 카지노사이트

    I was so amazed by your blog. Thank an individual so much.

    https://baccarat5sockgas28.wordpress.com/2021/04/04/know-regarding-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-betting-in-the-best-online-casinos/

    April 14, 2021 at 01:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. 먹튀검증

    It's a envious article. It's very incredible and innovative. Who can be you to write this specific special article?

    http://bigapple.idv.tw/discuz/home.php?mod=space&uid=908131

    April 14, 2021 at 06:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. Dudley Lasagna

    I’d always want to be update on new blog posts on this site, bookmarked ! .

    https://papaly.com/categories/share?id=882335d1d4bf4a4e8e5a7bcf35dc25f6

    April 14, 2021 at 07:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. buy zithromax

    zithromax coverage https://zithromaxes.com/ azithromycin (zithromax)

    April 15, 2021 at 04:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. Teresita Millian

    too much vitamin-a can also cause osteoporosis but aging is the number cause of it“

    https://www.netvibes.com/subscribe.php?preconfig=797fd1b0-8080-11eb-8036-a0369fec9dcc&preconfigtype=module

    April 15, 2021 at 07:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. kaso distro keren

    whoah this weblog is fantastic i really like reading your articles. Keep up the good work! You know, lots of individuals are looking around for this info, you could aid them greatly.

    http://grosirkaosdistro96151.total-blog.com/9-kaos-distro-terbaik-untuk-dibeli-sekarang-24654016

    April 15, 2021 at 10:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. alprostadil for sale online

    illegal sales of alprostadil https://alprostadildrugs.com/ how much alprostadil pellets cost

    April 15, 2021 at 11:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. Click Here to Buy Magic Mushroom Grow Kits

    The only thing I lament is not having found your blog earlier.

    https://magic-mushrooms-online.com/product-category/magic-mushroom-growing-kits/

    April 15, 2021 at 18:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. 우리카지노

    http://bookmarketmaven.com/story8212815/how-you-can-perform-round-craps-instructions-a-few-tips-that-will-can-boost-your-game

    April 16, 2021 at 00:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. 카지노사이트

    Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you so much, However I am encountering difficulties with your RSS. I donít know why I can't join it. Is there anybody getting similar RSS problems? Anyone who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks!!

    https://foldbattle5.bloggersdelight.dk/2021/01/16/the-main-cause-of-problem-gambling/

    April 16, 2021 at 00:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Gustavo Tumlison

    Odd this publish is totaly unrelated to what I used to be looking google for, nevertheless it was once indexed at the first page. I assume your doing one thing right if Google likes you enough to place you at the first page of a non related search.

    https://blackplanet.com/autumnhobbie89/message/20338021

    April 16, 2021 at 05:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. canadian generic cialis safe

    buy generic cialis without prescription canadian pharmacy https://canadacialisstore.com/ cialis canadian discounts

    April 16, 2021 at 08:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. Al Carlini

    https://www.tryarticles.com/

    April 16, 2021 at 19:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. https://magic-mushrooms-online.com/

    What an incredible manner of considering points.

    https://magic-mushrooms-online.com/

    April 17, 2021 at 01:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. 카지노사이트

    http://sealhhomes.com/members/foldlink6/activity/157073/

    April 17, 2021 at 02:42 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Leave a Reply to Mercedes Benz Sprinter Repair Shop


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.