TitleSuperoxide dismutase and the death of motoneurons in ALS.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2001
AuthorsBeckman JS, Estévez AG, Crow JP, Barbeito L
JournalTrends Neurosci
Volume24
Issue11 Suppl
PaginationS15-20
Date Published2001 Nov
ISSN0166-2236
KeywordsAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Cell Death, Humans, Motor Neurons, Superoxide Dismutase
Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal disease that is characterized by the relentless death of motoneurons. Mutations to Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), though occurring in just 2-3% of individuals with ALS, remain the only proven cause of the disease. These mutations structurally weaken SOD, which indirectly decreases its affinity for Zn. Zn-deficient SOD induces apoptosis in motoneurons through a mechanism involving peroxynitrite. Importantly, Zn-deficient wild-type SOD is just as toxic as Zn-deficient ALS mutant SOD, suggesting that the loss of Zn from wild-type SOD could be involved in the other 98% of cases of ALS. Zn-deficient SOD could therefore be an important therapeutic target in all forms of ALS.

Alternate JournalTrends Neurosci.
PubMed ID11881740