DNA

Collaboration aims to unravel role of DNA damage in ALS

Scientists at Broken String Biosciences and the Francis Crick Institute are teaming up to study how genomic instability, or an increased tendency to DNA mutations, contributes to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The findings may shed light on the mechanisms leading to sporadic cases of ALS, the term…

TDP-43 deficiency leads to changes in physical structures of cell DNA

Reduced activity of the TDP-43 protein, a hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), leads to changes in the DNA of nerve cells, which alters the activity of important genes, a new study reports. These findings may help explain how problems with this protein can contribute to the death of…

TDP-43 Protein Abnormalities in ALS Linked to DNA Damage

Abnormalities in the activity of the protein TDP-43, whose gene is often mutated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), can increase DNA damage in cells, a study shows. These findings shed light on the molecular underpinnings of ALS, and may open new avenues for treatment, its researchers said. The study,…

Understanding the Neurons Behind ALS

This video from Nature Video discusses the neurons behind amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).  The narrator explains that ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that usually begins in adulthood and progresses rapidly. MORE: Sixteen fast facts about ALS. The disease is characterized by the loss of both upper and lower motor neurons,…