Findings suggest ways to block nerve cell damage in neurodegenerative diseases.
Findings suggest ways to block nerve cell damage in neurodegenerative diseases.
In many neurodegenerative conditions — Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and peripheral neuropathy among them — an early defect is the loss of axons, the wiring of the nervous system. When axons are lost, nerve cells can’t communicate as they should, and nervous system function is impaired. In peripheral neuropathy in particular, and perhaps other diseases, sick axons trigger a self-destruct program.
In new research, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have implicated a specific molecule in the self-destruction of axons. Understanding just how that damage occurs may help researchers find a way to halt it.
The study is published March 22 in the journal Neuron.
“Axons break down in a lot of neurodegenerative diseases,” said senior author Jeffrey D. Milbrandt, MD, PhD, the James S. McDonnell Professor and head of the Department of Genetics. “Despite the fact these diseases have different causes, they are all likely rooted in the same pathway that triggers axon degeneration. If we could find a way to block the pathway, it could be beneficial for many different kinds of patients.”
Read more at Washington University School of Medicine
Image: Nerve axons (left) serve as the electrical wiring of the nervous system. Scientists have implicated a specific molecule in triggering a self-destruct program in axons that leads to their degeneration (right). Since axonal degeneration is a common thread in many neurodegenerative diseases, including peripheral neuropathy, researchers are seeking ways to block it. Both images show mouse axons. Yellow and green color added for clarity. (Credit: Josiah Gerdts (Milbrandt lab))
