Mechanism Of Motor Neuron Disease

Mutations in the gene encoding dynein, a molecule involved in transporting cargo in neuronal cells, had previously been shown to cause motor neuron disease. David Rubinsztein and colleagues now show that reduced dynein function impairs the clearance of protein aggregates from affected neurons. These aggregates (also called inclusions) are a common feature of several neurodegenerative diseases, and are possibly toxic to the cells. The authors suggest that dynein may normally be responsible for transporting the aggregate-clearing protein complex to its proper location in the neuron.

Author Contact:

David Rubinsztein (Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, UK)
Email: dcr1000@hermes.cam.ac.uk

Also published online.

(C) Nature Genetics press release.

Message posted by: Trevor M. D'Souza