Genetic Convergence Brings Clarity to the Enigmatic Red Line in ALS

Neuron. 2019 Mar 20;101(6):1057-1069. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.02.032.

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an aggressive neurodegenerative disorder that orchestrates an attack on the motor nervous system that is unrelenting. Recent discoveries into the pathogenic consequences of repeat expansions in C9ORF72, which are the most common genetic cause of ALS, combined with the identification of new genetic mutations are providing novel insight into the underlying mechanism(s) that cause ALS. In particular, the myriad of functions linked to ALS-associated genes have collectively implicated four main pathways in disease pathogenesis, including RNA metabolism and translational biology; protein quality control; cytoskeletal integrity and trafficking; and mitochondrial function and transport. Through the identification of common disease mechanisms on which multiple ALS genes converge, key targets for potential therapeutic intervention are highlighted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / genetics*
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / metabolism
  • C9orf72 Protein / genetics*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Cytoplasmic Granules / metabolism
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • DNA Repeat Expansion
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Transport / genetics
  • RNA / metabolism*
  • RNA-Binding Protein FUS / genetics
  • Stress, Physiological
  • Superoxide Dismutase-1 / genetics*
  • Superoxide Dismutase-1 / metabolism
  • Transcription Factor TFIIIA / genetics
  • Transcription Factor TFIIIA / metabolism
  • Unfolded Protein Response
  • Valosin Containing Protein / genetics

Substances

  • C9orf72 Protein
  • C9orf72 protein, human
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • FUS protein, human
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • OPTN protein, human
  • RNA-Binding Protein FUS
  • SOD1 protein, human
  • TARDBP protein, human
  • Transcription Factor TFIIIA
  • RNA
  • Superoxide Dismutase-1
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • TBK1 protein, human
  • VCP protein, human
  • Valosin Containing Protein