Researchers pinpoint 3 new risk genes associated with motor neuron disease: 5 observations

Spine

King's College London researchers pinpointed three new genes associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ALS involves brain and spinal cord motor neurons degenerating, which impacts muscle control.

The study involved genetic data from Project MinE, zoning in on 15,156 ALS patients and 26,224 controls from 15 countries. The researchers used this genetic data in conjunction with genome sequencing of 1,861 people, resulting in the testing of 8.7 million variants across the genome.

 

Nature Genetics published the study.

 

Here are five observations:



1. The researchers found three new ALS risk genes.

 

2. One risk gene, C21orf2, is involved with a cell system's movement and internal skeleton.

 

3. The researchers discovered that only one gene or two genes will significantly impact whether a single individual develops ALS.

 

4. These findings reveal that a rare gene variation offers a large risk for ALS development, as opposed to a few common gene variations offering a smaller risk.

 

5. The researchers concluded their findings will help with the development of new treatments than can halt ALS symptoms.

 

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