Lessons from models of SOD1-linked familial ALS.
Ten years ago, the linkage between mutations in the gene coding for the antioxidant enzyme Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and the neurodegenerative disease known as familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) was established. This finding has prompted a myriad of new studies in experimental models aimed at investigating the toxic function of the mutant enzymes. The cellular functions that are impaired in motoneurons as a consequence of molecular alterations induced by the expression of FALS SOD1 converge on pathways that might be activated in sporadic ALS by other toxic factors. Recent data demonstrate that, although motoneurons are lost in patients, other cell types are also affected and actively contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.
Bendotti
Caterina
C
Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via Eritrea 62, 20157 Milan, Italy.
Carrì
Maria Teresa
MT
D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D000818:Animals; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology*; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics*; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000235:genetics*; D000072105:Superoxide Dismutase-1
C000606290:SOD1 protein, human; C000606291:Sod1 protein, mouse; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D000072105:Superoxide Dismutase-1