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Disease Process of ALS

Overview

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) kills motor neurons, the large cells of the spinal cord that send nerve fibers out to control the muscles. Also, motor neurons in the part of the brain governing voluntary movements are destroyed in ALS. These so called upper motor neurons send nerve fibers down from the brain to control the lower motor neurons in the spinal cord. Clinicians are also finding that certain cognitive (see section on cognitive changes with ALS) portions of the brain may be affected in ALS as well.

Crucial Clue to ALS: Mutations in Copper-Zinc Superoxide Dismutase

In 1993 a large collaborative group demonstrated that in some inherited cases of ALS a genetic change alters an abundant enzyme within cells called copper-zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (CuZnSOD1, now usually called SOD1). This enzyme serves to keep cells safe from metabolic waste that can do damage if not rendered harmless. A mistake in the genetic code, that is, a mutation, places the wrong amino acid in the sequence for SOD1.

Mice that scientists engineered to express the mutant gene for SOD1 are among the laboratory models (see section on laboratory models of ALS) for research into the causes and avenues towards treatment of ALS.

The fact that these mice recapitulate so many features of ALS gives hope that all cases of ALS can be addressed by the common features that come to light through study of the SOD1 mutation. ALSA funded researchers at the same time are searching relentlessly for other genetic (see section on genetics of ALS) and environmental (see section on environmental factors) factors that might explain the disease and lead clinicians to better therapy.