Two teams of researchers at Northwestern University have found a novel pathological hallmark of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the molecular level. The neurologists and biochemists show how and why the mutated superoxide dismutase (SOD1) protein, which is associated with a familial form of ALS, becomes vulnerable and prone to aggregation and also provide evidence linking disease onset with the formation of intermolecular aggregates. Apr 26, 2006 - 2:53:00 PM
Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine identified three proteins that are found in significantly lower concentration in the cerebral spinal fluid of patients with ALS than in healthy individuals. These are the first biomarkers for this disease. Feb 23, 2006 - 12:15:00 PM
A UCSF study has found that a specific signaling link between neurons and muscles in the fruit fly is essential for keeping the insect's nervous system stable. Sep 4, 2005 - 7:20:00 AM
A new study indicates that mutant Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) enzymes that are associated with an inherited form of Lou Gehrig's disease cause the protein to become sticky in tissues. Partial unfolding of the mutant protein can expose hydrophobic residues that may promote abnormal interactions with other proteins or membranes in the cell. Aug 11, 2005 - 2:51:00 AM
CytRx Corporation (Nasdaq: CYTR - News) today announced the completion of a meeting with representatives of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to the submission of the Company's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for its lead small molecule drug candidate arimoclomol for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease). The FDA's pre-IND meeting programs are designed to provide sponsors with advance guidance and input on drug development programs. Apr 20, 2005 - 9:24:00 AM