title: Role of transition metals in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
abstract: ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting in selective degeneration of motor neurons in brain and spinal cord and muscle atrophy. In approx. 2% of all cases, the disease is caused by a mutation in the Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene. The transition metals zinc and copper regulate SOD1 protein stability and activity, and disbalance of the homoeostasis of these metals has therefore been implicated in the pathogenesis of ALS. Recent data strengthen the hypothesis that these transition metals are excellent potential targets to develop an effective therapy for ALS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Metabolic and Endocrine Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands Metabolomics Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Willianne I M
authors.initials: WI
authors.lastname: Vonk
authors.forename: Leo W J
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Klomp
mesh_terms: D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000378:metabolism; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D028561:Transition Elements / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D009498:Neurotoxins; D028561:Transition Elements; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase