Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
A collaborative of 250 researchers, co-led by University of Massachusetts Medical School Professor John Landers and funded through the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, have identified a new gene associated with the development of ALS, according to a statement from The ALS Association, a national nonprofit.
The discovery of the gene, known as KIF5A, advances the understanding of what causes ALS and builds on past research targeting cytoskeletal defects a common factor in the development of the disease, according to a second article published by the UMMS press office.
Landers, a professor of neurology, said in the UMMS article identifying the cytoskeleton, which is a frame that gives a cell its shape, as a potential target for new drug development is an important development.
“Treatments that potentially stabilize or repair the cytoskeleton give us a target for developing drugs with the capability of treating both familial and sporadic ALS,” Landers said.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects neurons in the brain and the spinal cord. People with ALS slowly lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis, according to UMMS.
While 10 percent of ALS is familial in origin because of a genetic defect, the other 90 percent of ALS cases are considered sporadic, or without a family history.
The KIF5A discovery was funded by the ALS Association through ALS Ice Bucket Challenge donations, the organization said. The research was also led by Dr. Bryan Traynor, senior investigator in the Laboratory of Neurogenetics at the National Institute on Aging, within the National Institutes of Health.
UMMS announced a previous ALS gene discovery in July 2016.
Stay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Sign upWorcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeWorcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
See Digital EditionStay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Worcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Worcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments