This is exciting: Possible breakthrough in Lou Gehrig's disease

[MADem]

....Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a common cause for all forms of ALS -- a fatal, neurodegenerative disease that causes paralysis in its victims.

New research indicates that the root of the condition is a malfunction in a protein recycling system and a specific protein called Ubiquilin2. That protein helps recycle damaged proteins in neurons in the spinal cord and the brain.

Researchers say in patients with ALS, Ubiquilin2 isn't doing its job. As a result, the neurons with the damaged proteins accumulate in the spinal cord and the brain, leading to degeneration.

"This is a very exciting time," said Doctor Alan Pestronk, professor of neurology, immunology and pathology Washington University in St. Louis. "The hope is one of these discoveries will give us a clue as to what is causing the motor nerve damage and how we can treat it."



A cure for this would be wonderful.

http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/273309/3/Possible-breakthrough-in-Lou-Gehrigs-disease

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. It is exciting news!

I think they will find a cure...

Recommended.

:thumbsup:

[Lucinda]

2. Bookmarking to read in the morning. Thank you!

:hi:

[cutlassmama]

3. Recommended.

[indurancevile]

4. i helped care for someone dying of als. not a good death.

[MADem]

10. Yes, so sad. nt

[malaise]

5. One of our friends' has a son who was

in his second year of university - an active young man who played football and cricket and eight years ago they discovered that he had Lou Gehrig's disease.
His aunt was telling me about this article earlier this week. I fear he won't be around long enough to recover, but it should help others.

[MADem]

9. It's an odd disease--sometimes it takes its time, sometimes it

comes/goes in fits and starts, with periods of not much degeneration. Very unpredictable.

I hope the young man beats the reaper.

[Happyhippychick]

6. I saw this earlier, wonderful news. My papa died from this horrible disease.

Nt

[MADem]

8. Two friends with it, from entirely different circumstances/walks of life.

I hope every day for a cure. Sorry about your papa; that could not have been easy for you and your family.

[kdmorris]

7. That is exciting, indeed

A cure would be a great thing.