Fas(t) balls and Lou Gehrig disease. A clue to selective vulnerability of motor neurons?

Neuron. 2002 Sep 12;35(6):1011-3. doi: 10.1016/s0896-6273(02)00910-8.

Abstract

The molecular basis of the selective death of motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been an enigma since its description by Charcot in 1869. In this issue of Neuron, demonstrate a motor neuron-specific death pathway which involves Fas and NO. Remarkably, motor neurons from mice carrying ALS-linked mutant forms of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) exhibit an increased sensitivity to death triggered by Fas but not other insults. These data suggest new insights into the mechanisms of, and potential therapeutic strategies for, death of motor neurons in ALS.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / genetics
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / metabolism*
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / physiopathology
  • Animals
  • Cell Death / genetics
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Central Nervous System / pathology
  • Central Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Motor Neurons / metabolism*
  • Motor Neurons / pathology
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Superoxide Dismutase / deficiency*
  • Superoxide Dismutase / genetics
  • Superoxide Dismutase-1
  • fas Receptor / genetics
  • fas Receptor / metabolism*

Substances

  • SOD1 protein, human
  • fas Receptor
  • Sod1 protein, mouse
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • Superoxide Dismutase-1